KUALA LUMPUR – Three Malay leaders from DAP have demanded an apology from an individual featured in a viral clip of a ceramah held by Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Nenggiri recently who labelled DAP as “kafir harbi” (belligerent infidels).
They are the party’s central executive committee members: Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman.
They have condemned the statement and emphasised that DAP is a legitimate political party with a diverse membership that includes Muslims as well.
The trio also explained that the term “kafir harbi” historically refers to non-Muslims regarded as enemies in the context of war.
They said that the extreme comment made by the individual during the PN ceramah was entirely unacceptable to DAP’s Muslim members.
“We are demanding that the individual in the video clip apologise to all Muslim DAP members who have been branded as “kafir” (infidel) by him.
“At the same time, we are also demanding PAS and PN’s leadership to state their stances on whether they agree with this individual’s extreme remake.
“If they are yet to do so, (then) PAS and PN are urged to condemn the remarks,” they said in a statement.
The DAP leaders have urged PN to conduct its campaign with maturity and to refrain from engaging in divisive or hateful rhetoric.
In a recent video clip, a man was seen referring to DAP as “kafir harbi” in Malaysia, a term implying hostility towards non-Muslims.
“Do you know what is a ‘kafir harbi’ in Malaysia? (It is) DAP,” the man was recorded as saying.
The ceramah was attended by PN leaders including Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman, Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis and Muafakat Nasional president Tan Sri Annuar Musa. – August 9, 2024