Perkasa chief risks ISA detention over articles

(The Star) – Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who had been twice held under the Internal Security Act, faces another possible detention under the ISA over articles that appeared in Suara Perkasa, the newsletter of the Malay rights group that he leads.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein warned if remarks by the Perkasa chief pose a threat to national security, Ibrahim could land in serious trouble, including being detained under the ISA.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Hulu Terengganu Umno division meeting in Kuala Berang on Saturday, he said:

“Regardless of whether it is Ibrahim Ali, Hishammuddin or (DAP adviser) Lim Kit Siang, all of us are not immune to the law and are subject to punitive actions if we attempt to crack the stability of this country.”

“The Opposition claims we are selective when punishing those who utter such remarks. But, let me tell you, that our (Home Ministry’s) aim is to ensure that the country is progressive and safe.”

Ibrahim and Perkasa have been criticised over certain allegedly intimidating articles in the maiden edition of Suara Perkasa this week.

In an article, Perkasa chided Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong for asking if the Government’s decision to do away with the Public Service Department overseas scholarships would also mean that Mara scholarships would be scrapped.

It also called for Dr Wee’s arrest under the ISA for allegedly questioning Malay rights, was criticised by various quarters.

On Friday, Bukit Aman and the Home Ministry officers visited the Setapak office of Media Perkasa, which handles the publication, to question editors.

Hishammuddin said Suara Perkasa editor Amirudin Mohamad met ministry representatives to explain the decision to print the article but the ministry was not satisfied with the justification given over the article.