Karpal denounces insults against Prophet

The DAP leader says it will take a long time for the feelings of Muslims to be assuaged. 

(FMT) – National DAP chairman Karpal Singh has denounced the American movie Innocence of Muslims and cartoons published by the French magazine Charlie Hebdo that insult the Prophet Muhammad.

“On behalf of the DAP, with all the force at my command, I condemn the insults to Prophet Muhammad as evidenced in the movie Innocence of Muslims and the French satirical magazine,” he said in a press statement today.

“The irresponsibility and the wanton disregard for the feelings of Muslims have certainly left an indelible scar on their psyche and it will take a long time for the feelings of Muslims to be assuaged.”

The movie portrays the Prophet as a womaniser and a fool, and Charlie Hebdo has published offensive cartoons such as one showing him as a bearded figure bending over to display his buttocks.

Had the movie and cartoons originated in Malaysia, Karpal added, the offenders would be liable to prosecution under Section 298 of the Penal Code.

The section provides for the imprisonment and fine of any individual who utters words with the intention of injuring the religious feelings of any person.

Karpal urged Muslims to exercise restraint in opposing both the movie and the magazine.

“It is hoped Muslims will exercise restraint in the face of the justified grave provocation brought about as a result of the irresponsibility of those who have thought it fit to insult Islam’s prophet,” he said.

“The innocent should not be subject to any harm to their person or property.”

Karpal’s statement also referred to a controversial Twitter message by Perak DAP chairman Ngeh Koo Ham, saying he hoped Muslims would accept his apology.

Ngeh apologised yesterday for questioning the rationale for demonstrations by Muslims against the United States and France.