No one was shot when we used ‘jihad’ earlier, says Ismail Sabri

Chan Kok Leong Chan Kok Leong Updated 7 years ago · Published on 1 Apr 2019 2:03PM · 3 Comments

Ismail Sabri Yaakob says PAS and Umno have proved that no race will be discriminated against. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, April 1, 2019.

ISMAIL Sabri has defended his “jihad” remarks at an Umno-PAS event in Sabak Bernam last night. 

“Why do you say that? I told you just now that jihad means struggle. When I said jihad ‘orang tengah’ (middlemen), no ‘orang tengah’ were shot dead. But we are fighting on behalf of fishermen and farmers.

“As we said earlier, Muslim unity means uniting everyone, not just Muslims, from a larger perspective. 

“And every time we say this, we say we are uniting Muslim without leaving others behind.

“PAS and Umno have proved that no race will be discriminated against,” the opposition leader told reporters in the Parliament lobby today.

He was asked why he had termed the Umno-PAS partnership a “jihad” against Pakatan Harapan.

The word “jihad” literally means struggle in Arabic. In the Islamic context it is often used to mean the fight to better oneself spiritually through prayer and good deeds.

It can also mean holy war against those who threaten the religion, and that definition is the most widely known among non-Muslims in light of recent terrorist attacks by Middle Eastern and other militants professing the Islamic faith.

The Bera MP also defended PAS as a “moderate” party.

“When PAS was with DAP, the latter supported PAS. The issue of PAS as an extreme party did not arise then. 

“PAS has proven in Kelantan (five terms), that there are no issues concerning other races and religions. 

“The biggest Buddha statue is in Kelantan. Siamese temples exist in Kelantan. There’s no reason for other races to fear this Muslim unity,” said Ismail.

He said Umno was also moderate as it was willing to work with MCA and MIC.

“Nothing to worry about. We are moderate. If we are not, we wouldn’t be with MCA and MIC. When MCA was in trouble, we even helped them strengthen so that the Chinese would support them.”

DAP, PKR and PAS made up opposition bloc Pakatan Rakyat from 2008-2015.

After PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat died, an Abdul Hadi Awang-led PAS decided to amend Kelantan state laws to include hudud.

PKR and DAP criticised the move, leading Hadi to cut ties and leave Pakatan Rakyat.

Against this background, some PAS leaders were alleged to have received RM90 million from Umno. – April 1, 2019.

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Comments

  • The PDRM should lock this guy up because he is inciting racial hatred. Doesn't mean that because nobody was previously shot when jihad was invoked, it will not happen now. What type of idiot is this politician? Does he have nothing better to offer than the invite the Malays against the non-Malays? Why is the Home Minister strangely silent? Sign of tacit approval? If Muhiyuddin can't get his act right, he should be man enough to step down. Let someone more capable do this dirty job.

    Posted 7 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply

  • Bohong! PAS-UMNO has all this while wanted the non-Malays out of major government posts, PM must be a Malay...etc. Why turn around and cook up another big lie?!! Shameless!

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Who gives the right to speak in such inciting manner. By mentioning no one is shot is already a taboo in Malaysia as no guns are allowed unless Umno Militants are having that. If Muhiyuddin is too damn afraid to act on this Umno terrorist then he should resign as Home Minister as the reason as being a coward !!!!. By being silent the Home Minister are condoning Ismail Sabri terrorism and should not fault the nons to take up arms too. Is that how PH Government is running the country.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply