by Lim Kit Siang

I am most surprised by the furore over DAP National Vice Chairman and MP for Seputeh Teresa Kok’s “Onederful Malaysia CNY 2014” video which has highlighted the political desperation of some quarters and the rank political opportunism of others.

We can agree or disagree as to whether Teresa’s video was good, bad or even atrocious; most appropriate in giving vent to the people’s heart-felt grievances about the price hikes, low educational standards, worries about security because of rising crime and rampant corruption in the country or whether it is in poor taste and not befitting the work of a Member of Parliament; but what is completely unacceptable is resort to lies and falsehoods to accuse Teresa’s video as anti-Malay and anti-Islam.

I have seen Teresa’s video a few times because of the allegations that it is anti-Malay and anti-Islam, and although I have gone through the video with great care and attention, I cannot find any part of the video – a stinging critique on the failures of the Najib government to resolve the many pressing problems in the country – which could be regarded as anti-Malay or anti-Islam.

I will ask Teresa to withdraw and apologise for the “Onederful Malaysia” video if anyone can can show there is any part which is anti-Malay and anti-Islam.

This is because the DAP is a Malaysian-centred party serving the interests of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, and we will not condone any action which is anti-Malay, anti-Chinese, anti-Indian, anti-Kadazan or anti-Iban or anti any religion because to be anti-Malay, anti-Chinese, anti-Indian, anti-Kadazan or anti-Iban is to do the greatest disservice to the cause of Malaysia and the fulfilment of the Malaysian Dream.

Downplaying the threats

This is why I am outraged by two Ministers today, firstly by the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who dismissed the RM1,200 reward offered by the self-styled “Council of Islamic NGOs” to anyone who slaps Teresa, saying “there is nothing (for police) to investigate as it is not a threat”, which is a repudiation of his oath as Home Minister to uphold the rule of law.

What is even more shocking, it appears to be a directive to the police not to investigate the scores of police reports which had been lodged by DAP and Pakatan Rakyat MPs, State Assembly members and leaders against the “Council of Islamic NGOs” for a slew of crimes, such as criminal intimidation, sedition, incitement of violence against woman, incitement of violence against Member of Parliament, incitement of racial and religious hatred causing another May 13 riots, etc.

I want to ask the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar whether the police is subjected to the directives of the Home Minister whether it is to investigate police reports lodged by elected representatives or not? And where does the law says that the Home Minister has such powers over the police? If not, isn’t the Home Minister illegally usurping the powers and duties of the police?

Zahid is setting a terribly bad example in upholding the rule of law.

I am still waiting for Zahid to answer my question earlier today whether he is advocating the law of the jungle to replace the rule of law, and secondly, whether it is now perfectly lawful and permissible for demonstrations to be held throughout the country to announce bounties whether RM1,200, RM1,500 or RM2,000 for anyone who could produce evidence of having slapped the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister or the Home Minister?

The second Minister I am most outraged today is the Minister for Housing and Urban Wellbeing, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who quoted the saying “You reap what you sow” on the threats to Teresa by the self-styled “Council of Islamic NGOs.

In a series of tweets, Abdul Rahman said Teresa should not play victim when threatened by Muslim groups.

He made the preposterous allegation that DAP had “relentlessly attacked the position of Malays and Muslims”.

He tweeted: “Maybe the DAP don’t understand. To Malays, insulting the Agong and Islam is more painful and degrading than a slap.

“Since 2008, the DAP has relentlessly attacked the position of Malays and Islam. When there is a reaction from Malays, the DAP acts as if they are victims. Crazy!”

A slew of allegations

Abdul Rahman should be completely ashamed of himself for being a racist through and through when he should be setting an example as a Minister for all Malaysians – even without mentioning the 1Malaysia policy advocated by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Abdul Rahman was telling a pack of lies when he alleged that the DAP had “since 2008…relentlessly attacked the position of Malays and Islam” and had even “insulted” the Yang di Pertuan Agong and Islam, for these allegations and lies are completely untrue.

Abdul Rahman should be a more responsible Minister as he should not be making wild and reckless allegations which he could not substantiate, and he should not be telling lies and falsehoods.

Or has Abdul Rahman joined the ranks of the political desperadoes in Umno, who are prepared to make wild allegations they cannot prove and resort to the most heinous and despicable lies and falsehoods to serve their petty political ends.

The furore over Teresa’s video has also exposed another group of opportunistic politicians in MCA, Gerakan and the LDP, who are prepared to tell another type of lies and falsehoods – seeking to convince leaders in UMNO that the Mandarin and Cantonese dialogue in Teresa’s video is anti-Malay and anti-Islam although this is completely untrue.

Is there anyone among the top leadership of MCA, Gerakan and LDP who is prepared to tell the truth that there is no basis to the allegations and lies that Teresa’s video is anti-Malay and anti-Islam?