In small gathering, Islamists say ready to ‘jihad’ against enemies

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 ― Hundreds gathered outside the National Mosque here today to protest against purported anti-Islam elements they claimed were flourishing under Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Politicians and heads of several hardline Islamic groups said the demonstration was an act of self-defence in the face of what they perceived as a concerted attempt to undermine Islam and the Malay identity.

Muslims gather outside the National Mosque during a protest in Kuala Lumpur March 1, 2019. — Picture by Hari Anggara

They warned that Muslims are ready to “jihad” against those who insult the faith.

“If the situation calls for us to jihad, are we ready?” one of the organisers asked.

“Yes we are!” the crowd responded.

The protest held just after Friday prayers, was organised as a response to a case involving a senior citizen who was said to have insulted the Muslim Prophet Muhammad on Facebook recently.

Muslims hold up posters during a protest outside the National Mosque during a protest in Kuala Lumpur March 1, 2019.

Wai Foo Sing, 68, was charged with uploading the posting on his Facebook account, with the profile name “Foo Sing Wai”.

The authorities said his action could cause disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred and ill-will on grounds of religion among the people of different religions in the country.

Islamists claimed the incident was yet another sign of minority’s eroding respect towards the Malay community, and Islam’s official position.

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki speaks during a protest outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur March 1, 2019.

Opposition leaders like Umno youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who spoke at the demonstration, suggested the Pakatan Harapan administration is to blame.

“We used to live in peace, in harmony but just after they got some power they’ve already ‘naik tocang’,” he said, using the Malay phrase to describe the ungracious.

Asyraf alleged the new government has not done much to protect the religion, which encouraged religious provocation.

He claimed Attorney General Tommy Thomas was slow to act when the insult was made, while Islamic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa was seen as apologetic.

Both have been accused of pandering to the demands of minority.

Several government leaders, however, have also condemned the provocation.

Also present at the gathering was Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad.

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki (forth left), PAS vice president Idris Ahmad (second right) and Ummah Defenders Movement deputy chairman Kamaruzaman Mohamad (right) during a protest in Kuala Lumpur March 1, 2019.