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