ALOR STAR: Pas ulama wing chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the alleged provocative statement by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng on the destruction of temples, is proof that the 'green wave' has been a target of Islamophobia.
"The provocative statement by Lim Guan Eng that the 'green wave' will destroy Buddhist temples and statues of deities if it assumes power in the state (Penang) affirms the statement by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang that the green wave is being targeted in the country," Ahmad said in a statement today.
He claimed that it was not surprising that some non-Muslims were still afraid of Islam.
"It is due to misleading statements about Islam uttered by politicians, in particular those from DAP.
"From one perspective, Guan Eng's statement reflected his prejudice against Islam and he is trying to erode undivided support of the Muslim community towards the Islamic agenda in the country.
"From another perspective, the green wave which is referred to as the support for Pas was portrayed with Islamophobic narrative. All these are acts to instill fear among the non-Muslims towards Islam.
Ahmad stressed that Lim should have checked the situation in Kelantan where a statue of Buddha, touted as the biggest in Southeast Asia, still remains there despite Pas ruling the state since 1990.'
"In fact, the Chinese community, in particular, and the non-Muslims generally are able to assimilate with the local culture and even speak in the Kelantan dialect while living in harmony. Not for once have the rights of non-Muslims been encroached upon, since Pas started to rule the state.
"Instead, he should be asking why in certain areas the non-Muslims are still unable to assimilate with the local Malay culture, if not because of the narrative of Islamophobia upheld by DAP," he said.
Ahmad further claimed added that Lim's statement was an attempt to scare non-Muslims who have started shifting their support to Perikatan Nasional.
Meanwhile, Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said a total 23 police reports have been lodged related to Lim's statement in the state until today.
Fisol said the investigation was being handled by the federal police under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"Kedah police wish to remind the public not to touch on the issues of race, religion and royalty, particularly those being spread via social media as it may affect the state's harmony and peace," he said in a statement today.
Earlier today, Lim was reported claiming that his statement had been misconstrued and said that it had been inaccurately interpreted.
The Bagan member of parliament was reported as saying that the Chinese newspaper article on which the news portal had based its report had, in fact, issued a statement on Sunday to clarify the matter.