Amanah calls out religious leaders, politicians' silence on punching incident

Amanah calls out religious leaders, politicians' silence on punching incident


Published: Apr 4, 2025 2:08 PM
Updated: 9:55 PM



Summary

• Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil chides religious leaders and politicians for being outspoken on racial and religious issues but mum on other important matters.

• He is referring to the incident where a female driver was assaulted by a soldier.

Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil criticised religious leaders and politicians who have been outspoken on issues of race and religion but remained silent about the recent incident in Seremban, where a soldier was caught on camera punching a female driver.

“Unlike the recent controversies surrounding KK Mart, the Hindu temple, and the Masjid Madani, incidents involving harm within the same race (Malay) are seldom addressed.

“These incidents are not just about race - they touch on morality and affect Malaysian society as a whole.

“The Malay community, in particular, is becoming increasingly impatient and less tolerant,” he said while refraining from naming any specific religious leaders or politicians.

Faiz said even if the driver is at fault for the collision, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands, and no one is above the law.

Adhere to principles of justice

He emphasised that it is crucial to offer comments and opinions based on the principles of justice and not on racial or religious sentiments.

“This is the teaching of Islam in accordance with Allah’s words in Surah al-Maidah: 8: ‘Let not the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just; that is closer to righteousness’,” he added.

Faiz said Amanah’s mission is guided by the realities of Malaysia’s multiracial society, choosing the principles of justice and moderation, not emotional sentiments that fuel racial and religious divides when responding to issues.

“Amanah remains confident that this struggle, based on values of moderation and tolerance, is deeply demanded by Islam to foster unity among the different races in this country.

“Racial unity is the key to good governance, economic recovery, and the advancement of this nation,” he added.

The 35-year-old soldier, who was arrested after a video of the incident went viral, has since been released on police bail.

The video captured the man confronting the woman in her car following an accident before punching her twice.

Seremban police chief Hatta Che Din stated that the woman was unable to avoid the suspect’s wife, 34, and their seven-year-old daughter, who unexpectedly crossed the road.

The attack left the woman with bruising on her right ribs and swelling on the back of her head. Additionally, her car sustained damage.