Irresponsible of Ngeh to link PN to fire, says Hamzah

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has slammed Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham for accusing Perikatan Nasional (PN) of instigating the perpetrators behind the fire at the DAP man’s home yesterday.

(FMT) – Hamzah said the actions of the suspects, who are believed to have thrown a Molotov cocktail at Ngeh’s home, were wrong and that they must be brought to justice.

“At the same time, Ngeh’s act of linking Bersatu and PAS to the incident is very irresponsible.

“I wish to remind everyone that external, irrelevant parties need not interfere in Islamic affairs because when there is interference, Muslims will rise without needing to be instigated.

“Every party needs to learn from this incident to be more careful when conveying an opinion, all the more when it touches on sensitive matters,” added the secretary-general of PN and Bersatu.

Ngeh courted controversy last month after suggesting that non-Muslim constitutional experts be appointed to a committee reviewing the jurisdiction of shariah courts according to the Federal Constitution.

His proposal was criticised by various quarters, with PAS and Bersatu leaders accusing him of interfering in Islamic affairs. Umno leaders meanwhile said Ngeh’s proposal was “shallow” and “unfounded”.

At a press conference yesterday, Ngeh said those behind the fire might have been instigated by others, misled by falsehoods created by PAS and Bersatu over his Dec 28 statement.

PN Youth has since lodged a police report against Ngeh over this allegation.