Muslim DAP leaders demand PN apology over 'kafir harbi' remark

Muslim DAP leaders demand PN apology over 'kafir harbi' remark

Published: Aug 9, 2024 3:23 PM


NENGGIRI BY-ELECTION | Irked for being called “kafir harbi” - a label used against non-Muslims who oppose Islam - several Malay DAP lawmakers have demanded an apology from Perikatan Nasional leaders.

This comes after a viral video showed a man, who was seemingly chairing a ceramah session for the Nenggiri by-election campaign, calling DAP a “kafir harbi” party.

“We urge the speaker to apologise to all Muslim DAP members.

“Plus, we also call upon PN and PAS to state their stand on the remark made by the individual.

“If they are also opposed to it, they should condemn the remark as well,” said DAP central executive council members Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Syahredzan Johan, and Young Syefura Othman in a joint statement.

In the nearly two-minute clip, the speaker started his speech by acknowledging the presence of Rembia assemblyperson Muhammad Jailani Khamis.

The speaker then veered towards the subject of “kafir harbi”.

“Who is ‘kafir harbi’ in Malaysia? DAP. It has made plans to control Malaysia and is being helped by several Umno leaders.

“If you want to resolve the problem, we have to nip them in the bud (kerat mereka).

“Hence, if there are still people who are going to vote for Umno on Aug 17 (Nenggiri polls), it means they are willing to be ruled by ‘kafir harbi’ and it’s dangerous,” the speaker said.

Also present at the event were Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman and Muafakat Nasional chairperson Annuar Musa.


‘An act of takfiri’

Miffed by the speaker’s remarks, the DAP leaders reminded the opposition that the party is a legally registered entity with members from various races and religions.

They also reminded PN leaders that the “kafir harbi” term was used when there were threats of war against Islamic nations from governments ruled by non-Muslims, where killing an enemy was permissible for protection.

“Hence, the individual’s extreme remark is an act of pronouncing a Muslim a non-believer or no longer Muslim (takfiri) against DAP’s Muslim members. It is unacceptable.

“We urge PN members to be mature when campaigning instead of playing up politics of hate,” they added.