Tuaran MP calls for end to ‘selective lawlessness’, urges PM to get tough on ‘domestic terrorists’

Tuesday 22 Oct 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (March 31): Tuaran Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to get tough on “domestic terrorists”, following Molotov cocktail attacks on two KK Mart outlets and also the residence of Tapah MP Ngeh Koo Ham.

Wilfred, who is also honorary president of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), called on the police to take stern action against the perpetrators and their abettors, and for them to be charged and convicted in court.

“Once the message gets through that domestic terrorism would not be tolerated, even in the name of religion, it would take the wind out of Akmal’s sails. PM Anwar Ibrahim, this is the time for leadership. Get tough on democratic terrorists. Enough of moral persuasion. Actions please," said Wilfred in a statement on Sunday.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh has been the most vocal critic of KK Mart, after pictures of socks on sale and featuring the word “Allah” went viral on social media, repeatedly calling for Muslims to boycott the chain of convenience stores.

Wilfred had previously criticised Akmal's response to the controversy, deeming it exaggerated, and sarcastically suggested that the Umno Youth chief demand an apology from China instead, where the socks were produced.

The Upko chief also stressed the importance of acknowledging KK Mart's prompt action in removing the controversial product from its shelves and issuing apologies. He also questioned why its oversight was being treated as deliberate malice.

KK Supermart founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, a company director, have since been charged with hurting the religious feelings of Muslims. Three directors of the chain's supplier, which has since shuttered, have also been charged for allegedly abetting in the act. All have pleaded not guilty and claimed trial on Tuesday.

On the morning they were charged, a Molotov cocktail was hurled at a KK Mart outlet in Bidor, Perak. This was followed by another incident on Saturday, where another KK Mart outlet in Kuantan, Pahang was hit by a similar attack before dawn. While the first bomb did not go off, the second caused some storefront items to ignite. The fire was quickly extinguished by workers at the store.

Meanwhile, two other private citizens who made comments about the controversy have also been charged in court with insulting Islam, sentenced to six months’ jail and separately fined RM12,000 and RM15,000.

Before that, the duo were tracked down by vigilante groups and forced into online confessions, which has sparked criticism from rights groups such as Lawyers for Liberty and G25 Malaysia, who urged the government and the police to take actions against the vigilantes, saying their failure to act would encourage mob justice.

“Malaysia sinks into this selective lawlessness because effective impunity is enjoyed by not just politicians and political activists who instigate ethno-religious conflicts, but also by most incited or provoked netizens who hurt or harm others.

"Except for (the) few who were jailed for insulting Islam, most netizens who spread hatred or even carried out terrorist acts believe that they are untouchable. That includes those who threw Molotov cocktails at the KK Mart (outlets) and Ngeh’s home and remain free,” Wilfred further said in his statement.

In Ngeh's case, a petrol bomb was flung at his home in the early hours of the morning in January, causing the destruction of one vehicle and the damage of two others while scorching part of his porch. Ngeh and his wife, who were asleep at the top floor of the house when the attack took place, managed to escape unhurt after they were alerted by neighbours.

Wilfred also slammed the police and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), saying their “selective” enforcement of the laws played a part in the security crisis, while noting that the attack against Ngeh was investigated for ‘mischief by fire’ (Section 435 of the Penal Code) which only carries a maximum jail term of 14 years, instead of ‘terrorism’ (Section 130B of the Penal Code), which mandates a jail term of seven to 30 years.

“Will the two cases of KK bombing be investigated under Section 130B? I eagerly await enlightenment by IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and his deputy Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who once headed the police’s counter-terrorism branch," he said.

“The police and the AGC were magnificently efficient in arresting and prosecuting two individuals for insulting Islam online, but three attacks by Molotov cocktail in three months appeared to not get the same attention and dedication, as if in-person terrorism is a lesser crime than online blasphemy,” he said.

“The public deserves to be assured that Malaysia is safe from terrorist attacks, whether by ‘lone wolves’ or terrorist cells,” he added.

And while Anwar has been working hard to promote the country's investment, trade and tourism, Wilfred said these political and security crises must be addressed.

He views the continued protest and boycott against KK Mart as a political crisis that could harm market confidence and put to test Anwar’s “bridging skills” in coming up with a solution.

Edited ByTan Choe Choe

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