Ex- Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim
says the NST's 'error' can spark off a serious conflict and the police
should investigate the daily.
KUALA
LUMPUR: The “grave error” committed by New Straits Times with regard to
the quotes of an Australian senator could pose a security concern, said
a former top cop.
Ex-Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim said NST’s mistake could
affect the Australian community in Malaysia, and since it was also a
religious issue, could potentially spark off a serious conflict if
exploited.
On May 2, the Umno-linked newspaper reported that Independent Senator
Nick Xenophon was highly critical of Islam and had referred to the
religion as a “criminal organisation.”
NST cited a Nov 17, 2009 speech made by Xenophon in the Australian
Parliament in which the daily quoted him as saying: “Islam is not a
religious organisation. It is a criminal organisation that hides behind
its so-called religious beliefs.”
However, the Australian Hansard showed that Xenophon was not referring to Islam at all, but to Scientology.
The report also claimed that Xenophon, said to be an associate of
Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, appeared to be supportive of same-sex
marriages.
Xenophon is now planning to sue the daily. Yesterday, NST admitted making a “grave error” and retracted the article.
‘NST must be taken to task’
‘NST must be taken to task’
Writing to FMT on the matter, Mat Zain said that NST must be taken to task for their spin on Islam.
He also said action should be taken against TV3 for airing statements
made by independent MP Zaharin Hashim, who had criticised Xenophon for
“supporting the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender)
community.”
“They (the paper) must be held responsible for the security concern
which not only affects Xenophon alone but the entire Australian
community who are living here in Malaysia or on short trips here,” he
added.
Mat Zain said the issue could “develop into security concerns for
Malaysians and mostly students in Australia or anywhere else in the
world where Australians and Malaysians are found together.”
He said the matter cannot be looked upon as a personal issue between Xenophon and NST.
“It must be viewed beyond that. Their spin involved Islam and
therefore any Muslim can take offence of the irresponsible article by
NST,” he said.
Mat Zain also called upon Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to “state his stand” on the matter.
“…and if need be, the goverment must clear the air with the
Australian government for the sake of the safety of our Malaysian
students or otherwise that are now in Australia… if Najib really cares
for the people,” he said.
Mat Zain said the police could immediately commence an investigation
against NST under Section 298 A of the Penal code which is for “causing
disharmony, disunity, or feeling of enmity, hatred or illwill, or prejudicing etc, the maintainance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.”
Mat Zain also suggested that the police could investigate the matter under the Sedition Act.
“Whichever they are comfortable with. I don’t think I need to explain
the rules of engagement to them, any law they choose to commence the
investigation. The inspector-general of police knows better,” he said.
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