"Dear sir/madam,
1. I would like to express my deepest regret on recent attacks on Islam happening in Malaysia perpetrated by representatives of Democratic Action Party (DAP).
2. I would like to name two examples. Firstly, Nga Kor Ming, Perak DAP Chief’s blatant attack on the practice of Niqab of our Muslim sisters. Secondly, the support for two Israeli windsurfers made by Chong Zhemin, Chief of DAP Perak Economic Development Bereau.
3. In the first example, we know that wearing a Niqab is a practice that is acceptable in Islam, and there is absolutely no reason to make mockery out of it. Adorning the Niqab is different to the adorning the Hijab. Unlike Hijab, the Niqab will include the wearing of a veil to cover the face revealing only the eyes to see. On the other hand, Hijab is the headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair and should also go beyond to covering the neck and chest. These two garments come in different styles and fashion, but it is all to aid Muslim women in observing the Islamic code of dress as taught by the Quran in Surah An-Nur verse 31 (in English transliteration):
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”
4. Mr. Nga made a mockery of Hijab by confusing it with Niqab, and then pasted a picture of a scared child on top of it. This lack of knowledge and thoughtlessness demonstrate his clear lack of ability to lead a nation that has a majority of Islamic believers. He has totally disconnected himself from his Muslim supporters by his sheer inability to be sensitive and to be considerate in maintaining a harmonious Malaysia.
5. Malaysia is well-known for its religious tolerance, multicultural and multi-ethnic society. To make fun of other people’s religious observances is against the principle of mutual respect and religious freedom.
6. May I remind Mr. Nga, that the first Principle of Rukunegara is “To believe in God”. The practice of “covering the aurat” is in accordance to the teaching of Al-Quran. It is an act of faith in keeping with the first principle of Rukunegara. As a representative of Taiping that has a significant number of Muslims living in them, Mr. Nga should know better than to make shameful comments and hateful references. This will certainly render himself unpopular and unfit to represent the people of Taiping.
7. The second example is Chong Zhemin’s lack of knowledge and understanding of Malaysia’s diplomatic policy against Israel. Mr. Chong condemns the action of the Minister for Youth and Sport, Mr. Khairy Jamaluddin in denying the entry of the two windsurfers representing Israel as a country in the ISAF world youth championship in Langkawi.
8. Although there are claims that he retracted his statement, he had made no official written apology and his article has not been taken down from his blog site (as of today 28th December, 2015). Hence, this is a clear act of dishonesty and a perfect demonstration of non-integrity.
9. Mr. Chong justified his claim by stating that Sports should go “above politics” and have given an example of the Chelsea FC player, Yossi Bernayoun who happens to be an Israeli, granted an entry to play in Malaysia for a friendly football match.
10. By doing so, Mr. Chong has made two serious errors. Firstly, Sports does not go “above politics”. Secondly, Mr. Yossi Bernayoun played as a Chelsea FC footballer not as a footballer representing Israel.
11. In support of my first statement, Malaysia does not recognise Israel as a country and has no diplomatic relation with Israel. Israel is a Zionist country that illegally occupies Palestinian territories, and has acted against more than 90 U.N. Resolutions since 1949, and involves in serious war crimes and human rights violation. To recognise the country’s participation is to recognise the country itself and thus acknowledging the atrocities committed by the Zionist occupiers, totally ignoring the plight of the Palestinians who had lost their homes and livelihood. Mr. Chong clearly in league with Zionism and certainly has no place in any modern, moderate and harmonious society. Islam is clearly against those who support such doctrine and atrocious act as stated in the Quran in Surah Huud, Verse 113.
“And do not incline towards the wrong-doers (those who committed atrocious crimes) lest the Fire might seize you and you will have none as your protector against Allah; and then you will not be helped from anywhere.”
12. In support of my second statement, Mr. Bernayoun played for Chelsea FC together with other players from other background and ethnicity. Chelsea FC does not support Zionism, and Mr. Bernayoun did not represent Israel. Hence, to equate his situation with the two windsurfers representing Israel is totally invalid.
13. Malaysia must know the true colours of DAP. There is absolutely no doubt that DAP have no interest in promoting tolerance and mutual understanding amongst the different beliefs and ethnicity. DAP is hence, a party that is harmful to Malaysia and their success will only serve to promote religious bigotry and racial disparity.
14. My sincere advice to all Malaysians is to stay away from this party and to pick those who truly serve the people by being considerate and empathetic to all ethnic beliefs and culture. Malaysia celebrate its diversity and religious tolerance. This is where its strengths lies, within the hearts of people.
Wassalamualaikum. May peace be with you.
Mr. Kama Mustaffa Muhammad,
(LRCPI &SI, MB, BCH (NUI), MSc, MRCS.)
General and Vascular Surgery.
Ireland.