It’s ‘wayang’, says Anwar on ‘scolding’ to Utusan
(Harakah Daily) – KUALA LUMPUR, May 13: “Wayang” (drama) is the one-worded response from Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to the Home Ministry’s ‘warning’ to UMNO-Perkasa mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia over its recent blog-based report that Christian leaders were planning to replace Islam as the official religion.
The ‘punishment’ for such an offence, which usually attracts immediate suspension or even a ban and in some instances arrests without trial, invited similar response from leaders across the political divide.
“I still remember Editor-in-Chief of China Press was suspended for 2 weeks for the ‘misleading report on the extension of tenure for ex-IGP (Inspector General of Police)’. This report did not cause disharmony among Malaysians of all races. Many people will compare the damage caused by Utusan’s report to those of China Press. We love this country, there is no room for people who spread lies particularly sensitive issue like religion. Justice must not only been and it must be perceived well by people,” came the shout-out from MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong.
DAP’s Petaling Jaya Utara member of parliament Tony Pua said the ‘slap in the wrist’ by Home Ministry, while proving the staunchly right-wing daily had been wrong in its report, questioned whether an apology would be forthcoming.
“Will we see public apology tomorrow from Utusan?” he twitted.
Felda more sacrosanct?
PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution could not help comparing Utusan’s punishment to the one meted out on Suara Keadilan, banned due to its headline story on Felda’s mismanagement.
“Is the Felda issue more dangerous than the Christian state report?” he asked.
