LEADERS from both sides of the political divide condemned yesterday’s incident at the Ramadan bazaar in Kluang, Johor, where DAP’s Liew Chin Tong was roughed up for distributing dates to shoppers and traders.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the group’s action against the Kluang MP was uncalled for and it was made even worse as it was done during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“These actions should be condemned, what more during the Puasa month. There is no need to act this way due to political differences,” Khairy, who is also youth and sports minister, posted on Twitter.

Liew was roughed up and chased out of a bazaar yesterday evening by a small group of traders, one among them who claimed he was an Imam, when he was distributing dates with his staff there.

He was hit in the forehead and dropped his glasses in the scuffle. Liew lodged a police report along with two others at the Kluang police station last night.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Muhyiddin Yassin branded those who harassed Liew as un-Islamic, adding that they should have allowed him to perform his duties as an MP.

“Even though he is not a Muslim, he should not have been stopped from distributing dates, what more abused with vulgarities. 

“He is a member of parliament and it is his responsibility to approach the community in his constituency regardless of race and religion,” Muhyiddin said in a statement today.

He said all Muslims should present the true face of Islam, which is to be courteous and compassionate, and to respect others from other races and religions.

“Mutual respect is a central tenet of Islam, and as Muslims we are required to practice true Islamic teachings,” said Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP. – June 11, 2017.