12 July 2000

Press Statement: PM Should Stop Playing Fire

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir should stop making unsubstantiated and seditious statements on the alleged deviationist Al Ma'unah cult. It is clear that the Prime Minister is exploiting the arm robbery to create fear amongst the population. We are shocked to hear Dr. Mahathir's blatant intimidation against the Non-Muslim with the so-called perils of Islamic extremism. The Prime Minister is inciting fear in the community with his insinuation that PAS is supporting the arm robbery and "deviationist" cult.

Such unsubstantiated statement is clearly malicious and politically motivated. The citizens of Malaysia find the Prime Minister insulting and offensive when he repeated the threat that the Non-Muslim would be "playing with fire" if they do not support the Barisan Nasional. Dr. Mahathir has deviated from the real issues on the arm heists. The eruption of the so-called Al-Ma'unah crisis reflects that failure of the Barisan Nasional in providing a safe environment for the people. The Government should be held responsible for the loose security system in the military camp, which provided the loophole for the arm robbery. Further, the unprofessional handling of the hostages by the IGP Norian Mai has resulted the death of three lives. It is dishonest for Dr. Mahathir to evade these questions, instead he launched a series of vicious attack against the opposition.

Dr. Mahathir's spiteful and provocative accusations only shows that he is politically bankrupt. Perhaps he has sensed that the people are increasing alienated by the corruption and abuses of the Barisan Nasional Government. Despite the claim that Non-Muslim are solidly supporting the BN, many recent events indicate that majority of Malaysian population including Non-Muslim communities are joining the call for reforms in our political and economic system.

Dr. Mahathir's desperate attempt to regain popular support by smearing the opposition will fail miserably if he continue to insult the people's intelligence. KeADILan and our allies in the Barisan Alternatif are fully committed to a stable and harmonious society. We would like to advise the Prime Minister not to continue with playing up racial sentiments. The Malaysian people are now looking for political alternatives which could provide peaceful, stable and secure future for our beloved nation.

Tian Chua

Vice President
Parti KeADILan