Ngeh blames Bersatu for inciting hate that led to arson

Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham believes that the arson incident that took place this morning is due to his statement regarding the special committee to study Shariah court jurisdiction that was manipulated by opposition party, Bersatu.

He blamed Bersatu for inciting slander and hate that led towards the arson incident that took place at his residence this morning.

“I am a professional. The only this may have happened is related to a statement that I made on 28 Dec where I suggested someone with a legal background from the Bar Council be appointed into the committee,” said the lawmaker who is also a practising lawyer for the past 38 years.

“I emphasized on the Federal Constitution since the constitution encompasses everyone. I expected a constitutional amendment so I suggested that a constitutional expert be appointed into the committee. It wasn’t about shariah law.”

He said this during a press conference that was held at his service centre.

Ngeh pointed out that Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegu Bard, however was emotional about the issue.

“They manipulated my statement claiming that I called for the appointment of a non Muslim into the committee. I withdrew my suggestion and apologised on 30 December.

“I was accused of interfering into shariah court institution. This is a major slander. Bersatu defamed me.

“They instituted hate towards me that resulted in the violence. Otherwise why would people commit arson?”

He also said that he was not anti – Islam as projected by some quarters.

Relating a case he filed against former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, he said he filed a defamation case against the then premier.

“He admitted he defamed me and paid RM80,000. The courts proved that I am not anti Islam.”

On that note he also highlighted a social issue faced by non Muslims in Malaysia as their documentation identify them as Muslims.

“The Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli can’t marry because of the Muslim label. They live out of wedlock and have children. I am not playing up religious issue. Please show compassion and mercy to them.”