By Joseph Sipalan
Jun 20, 11 | MalaysiaKini
Senior opposition parliamentarian Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) today demanded that the government take a clear position on Perkasa and its recent string of allegedly seditious statements against the upcoming Bersih 2.0 rally this July 9.
In trademark style, Lim (left) made clear his incredulity over Perkasa’s controversial behaviour as he hammered both the government and the right wing Malay rights NGO for the growing tension surrounding the planned mass gathering.
“Never in the history of Malaysia, since independence, have such threats been made so openly.
“Most recently the Perkasa president commented on stocking up food… this is a threat to the Chinese. To all the ministers, what’s your stance?” he asked when debating the supplementary supply bill in Parliament.
Yesterday, Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali said during the launch of their counter-protest against Bersih 2.0 that “anything can happen” if the rally goes ahead, adding that the Chinese would most likely have to “stock up” on food at home.
Lim said Ibrahim’s statement makes a mockery of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia campaign, for the simple fact that the Perkasa president can openly issue allegedly racial and religiously-charged threats without fear of the law.
“The issue is not Ibrahim Ali. He is just a clown… the issue is why he can make such threats? Why have we come to this stage? What is 1Malaysia?
“There was jihad, all the treasonous allegations… why the impunity? Where is the rule of law?” he said, referring to Ibrahim’s holy war speech last month.
‘Perkasa speaks for Umno?’
Lim also attacked the government for its hard-line position against the rally while at the same time being allegedly non-committal when it comes to Perkasa, questioning the government’s motivations.
“Is it because he (Ibrahim) speaks for select Umno leaders? You can oppose, but why threaten the Chinese by saying they will have to stock up (on food)?
“Our electoral system is so flawed. We want a clean system. Why (counter-protest) on the same date? This is not expression, but provocation.
“This is a peaceful gathering… is the Bersih rally capable of toppling the government? What’s wrong with toppling the Umno/BN government?” he said.
Ibrahim later stood in defence of Perkasa’s opposition to the rally, throwing back the question of the gathering’s legality to Lim and Bersih 2.0 leaders S Ambiga and PAS deputy president Muhamad Sabu.
“I have said there was the possibility of a clash, but at the same time I said if they cancel (their rally), we will also cancel… when the police say it is illegal, and no permit will be issued, is it not wrong (to hold the rally) and a threat to national security?” he said when interjecting during Muhamad Aziz’s (BN-Sri Gading) (right) turn to debate.
Muhamad Aziz threw his support behind Ibrahim, saying that he sees “nothing seditious” about the Perkasa chief’s statements.
“This rally is a move to show unrest in the country, when there is no such thing. The Malays, Chinese and Indians live together in harmony.
“The majority of the rakyat love peace, so before seeking the cure, we should prevent. Before this (rally) happens, arrest this former Bar Council president and Mat Sabu,” he said.