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I am a Muslim first, declares Zulkifli
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Zulkifli denies he was arrested after protest at Bar forum
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Majlis Peguam anti–Islam – Zulkifli Noordin
©The
Malaysian Insider (Used by permission)
PARLIAMENT, Aug 18 – PKR MP Zulkifli Nordin today emerged from hiding –
unrepentant and defiant over his role in the fracas at the Bar Council’s forum
on conversion and Islam on August 9. Indeed, he was in a fighting mood and said
that he was considering proposing a motion in Parliament to sanction the Bar
Council for its anti–Islam stand.
The lawyer was at the forefront of protests by Muslim groups and was criticized
even by his party officials for employing rough house tactics and rough
language. Immediately after the forum was halted by the police, Zulkifli could
not be contacted.
Today he was swamped by the press when Parliament reconvened.
"For me Islam comes first. I am a Muslim first, a party member second. A Muslim
first, a lawyer second. A Muslim first, an MP second.
"You attack Islam, I'll be there, even if I have to do it on my own.
Whatever it is, Islam comes first," said Zulkifli, the MP for Kulim Bandar Baru.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference in the lobby, Zulkifli said that he
did not barge into the forum but had been invited in by the council's secretary
Lim Chee Wee to verify that the forum had ended.
"I went in to diffuse the situation and to confirm the forum had stopped. That
was the purpose. I was invited up, otherwise how did I get in?
"I didn't kick the door and barge in, but the picture painted now is as if
I barged in and that is a total lie," he said.
Zulkifli said that there was a heated exchange of words between three
representatives from Muslim NGOs that accompanied him and a few forum
participants.
"When I was inside I did not say a word, I did not do anything. I am just
disappointed when some participants of the forum started hurling rough language
at the others with me (NGO representatives). They reacted but the situation was
calmed by the police," he said.
He said that sensitive matters should be discussed behind closed doors with the
relevant agencies.
"When you talk of sensitivities of others, do so behind closed doors and only
invite those in authority. Don't invite any Tom, Dick or Harry. You can talk
about Islam but you cannot talk for Islam.
"I don't call any mamak chendol or kacang putih seller to talk about Hinduism,
do I? That would only look stupid. I would call the priest, the authority and
then I can get a better picture on Hinduism.
"Just because some mosquito group of Muslims start talking about Islam, they
represent Islam. I don't think that is fair.
"We have authorities, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim), Yayasan Dakwah
Islam Malaysia, IKIM, UIA ... we have a lot of authorities. Why invite those
mosquitoes?
"We have to respect each other's rights. We Muslims have been tolerant enough all
this while, for so many years we have been asked, forced to live under the law
that is not Islam. We have been forced," he said.
Zulkifli also took issue with the Bar Council, saying that it was "anti–Islam"
and had taken a position in court cases involving converts.
Also, he noted that the Bar Council had representatives on the
Attorney–General’s committee on amendments to the Family Law, Child's Act.
He said that he may consider filing a motion in Parliament to sanction and
reprimand the Bar Council for their "anti–Islam" stand.