Muslim NGO: Why are muftis mum on Merlimau riot?

A liberal Muslim non-governmental organisation has raised its ire over the silence of religious leaders on a violent attack during a voters education campaign in Merlimau, Malacca.

Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) chairperson Ahmad Farouk Musa (left) said “many muftis” had spoken out against the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28, but have kept mum on acts by a rowdy mob which pelted participants and vehicles with eggs and stones at the campaign last Saturday.

“Will Malaysia’s many muftis who so willingly spoke out against Bersih also speak out against the Merlimau riot?

“Why do we not hear these muftis now nagging about the limits of freedom and the importance of law and order in Islam?” asked Ahmad Farouk.
“Or, are the Merlimau rioters somehow exempted from the standards of good conduct simply by virtue of their racist-fascist beliefs and ethno-nationalist party affiliation?”

He lambasted the attackers, pointing out that intimidation and violence is becoming a frequent strategy by certain players in the ruling power structure.

He reasoned that Bersih’s campaign was a democratic right in expressing opinion on the government’s policies.

In a statement today, Ahmad Farouk quizzed police inaction over the attacks although the authorities were reported to have been present at the location.

“Is it not their duty to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations?” he asked.

Calling the attacks a “systematic terrorisation to quell democratic dissent”, Ahmad Farouk said implementation of Bersih’s demands for electoral reform are at stake.

“What happened in Merlimau - preceded by butt exercises, sexist and racist intimidations and harassments against innocent Malaysian citizens - is fascist-inspired catharsis from unruly, insecure thugs.

Home minister urged to intervene
“It is also clear that the goal is not so much the enlightenment of Malaysian citizens but their subjugation in ignorance so that the elite of that party can continue to govern and enrich themselves with impunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Seputeh DAP parliamentarian Teresa Kok called on Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussien to act on the “targeted violence” at Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan.

Several cars were damaged and some participants were injured in the Merlimau incident where stones and eggs were thrown by the rowdy mob.

Kok also lamented the silence of the authorities on the protest plans by petty traders to set up stalls outside Ambiga’s house, which could turn “uncontrollable and violent”.

“Given that such ‘unlicensed’ protest infringes on numerous national laws, such as Section 46 of the Streets, Drainage and Buildings Act and Section 110 of the Road Transport Act and, needless to say, infringing on Ambiga’s basic right to peace and security in her own home, the government and police have no excuse not to act against any future, planned unsavoury activity outside her house,” Kok added.