UMNO Ulama’s Racism is revolting

May 21, 2012

by Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa and Ahmad Fuad Rahmat

The riot at Merlimau, Melaka by anti-BERSIH, UMNO inspired youths is evidence of the increasing degree to which intimidation and violence is becoming a frequent strategy by certain players in the ruling power structure.

It was clear that the threat and intimidation were aimed against  those who were merely exercising their democratic right to voice their opinions on the policies of the current government.

Reports indicate the presence of Police officers at the location and yet why did they not stop the riot from happening? Is it not their duty to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations?

Will Malaysia’s Muftis who so willingly spoke out against BERSIH also speak out against the Merlimau riot? Why do we not hear these Muftis now nagging about the limits of freedom and the importance of law and order in Islam?

Or, are the Merlimau rioters somehow exempted from the standards of good conduct simply by virtue of their racist-fascist beliefs and ethno-nationalist party affiliation?

Will we hear condemnation and obsession of what happened in Merlimau by the mainstream media? Or will their pages and airtime be channeled entirely towards demonizing the hard work of Malaysians from all races who are demanding genuine democratic reforms?

Those who are more alert to the real workings of Malaysian politics will rightly read those questions with cynicism. The point that cannot be denied is that we are witnessing is systematic terrorization to quell democratic dissent.

BERSIH was a clear set of demands for electoral reforms that have yet to be met. What happened in Merlimau – preceded by butt exercises, sexist and racist intimidation and harassment against innocent Malaysian citizens – is fascist inspired catharsis from unruly insecure thugs.

It does not require anyone the slightest minute of education to be racist and anti-democratic, and yet racism and anti-democracy have been the central values that have been constantly espoused by the ruling party.

It is also clear that the goal is not so much the enlightenment of Malaysian citizens but their subjugation in ignorance so that the elite of that party can continue to govern and enrich themselves with impunity.

Racism was even legitimised by a scholar of Ulama’ Muda UMNO recently who said that Prophet Muhammad was racist. It is not surprising then to see the escalation of prejudiced attitudes and policies that favour a certain race over others since that is now endorsed by UMNO religious scholars themselves.

As an Islamic organization, we are deeply saddened and outraged at the complicity of certain religious figures in tolerating UMNO’s constant recourse to thug violence and intimidation. Marx said that religion is the opium of the people. In Malaysia, we can now see who the dealers are.

* The writers represent Islamic Renaissance Front, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysiakini reports (05-21-12)

A liberal Muslim non-governmental organisation has raised its ire over the silence of religious leaders on a violent attack during a voters education campaign in Merlimau, Malacca.

Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) chairperson Ahmad Farouk Musa (left) said “many muftis” had spoken out against the BERSIH 3.0 rally on April 28, but have kept mum on acts by a rowdy mob which pelted participants and vehicles with eggs and stones at the campaign last Saturday.

“Will Malaysia’s many muftis who so willingly spoke out against BERSIH also speak out against the Merlimau riot?

“Why do we not hear these muftis now nagging about the limits of freedom and the importance of law and order in Islam?” asked Ahmad Farouk.

“Or, are the Merlimau rioters somehow exempted from the standards of good conduct simply by virtue of their racist-fascist beliefs and ethno-nationalist party affiliation?”

He lambasted the attackers, pointing out that intimidation and violence is becoming a frequent strategy by certain players in the ruling power structure.

He reasoned that BERSIH’s campaign was a democratic right in expressing opinion on the government’s policies.

In a statement today, Ahmad Farouk quizzed Police inaction over the attacks although the authorities were reported to have been present at the location.

“Is it not their duty to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations?” he asked.

Calling the attacks a “systematic terrorisation to quell democratic dissent”, Ahmad Farouk said implementation of BERSIH’s demands for electoral reform are at stake.

“What happened in Merlimau – preceded by butt exercises, sexist and racist intimidation and harassment against innocent Malaysian citizens – is fascist-inspired catharsis from unruly, insecure thugs.

Home minister urged to intervene

“It is also clear that the goal is not so much the enlightenment of Malaysian citizens but their subjugation in ignorance so that the elite of that party can continue to govern and enrich themselves with impunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Seputeh DAP parliamentarian Teresa Kok called on Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussien to act on the “targeted violence” at BERSIH co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan.

Several cars were damaged and some participants were injured in the Merlimau incident where stones and eggs were thrown by the rowdy mob.

Kok also lamented the silence of the authorities on the protest plans by petty traders to set up stalls outside Ambiga’s house, which could turn “uncontrollable and violent”.

“Given that such ‘unlicensed’ protest infringes on numerous national laws, such as Section 46 of the Streets, Drainage and Buildings Act and Section 110 of the Road Transport Act and, needless to say, infringing on Ambiga’s basic right to peace and security in her own home, the government and the Police have no excuse not to act against any future, planned unsavoury activity outside her house,” Kok added.