I am not surprised MP for Kulim Bandar Baru Zulkifli Noordin chose to lie in making his insincere apology for making those comments insulting Hindu religion, which caused many police reports to be lodged against him nationwide.

Zulkifli, according to the mainstream media reports , had apologised for making those comments “10 years ago, when he was in PAS”. I doubt Zulkifli’s statement, as in the video that he is making those insulting comments, Zulkifli is seen referring to the Murugan statue in Batu Caves as “ Itu Murugan tongkat 14 tingkat ” and “ Tuhan Murugan yang pegang tongkat macam di Batu Caves tu ”.

The Murugan statue in Batu Caves was only unveiled during Thaipusam in the year 2006, that is seven years ago. Ten years ago, there was no tallest Murugan statue at Batu Caves. So, it is very clear that Zulkifli is lying in his statement of apology. MIC might be satisfied with his insincere apology, but not the Indian-Hindu community in Malaysia.

This shows that this man has no sense of remorse and his apology was insincere. He merely wants to blame PAS for his own stupidity in making those insulting comments. I have been in Kelantan, a state where PAS has been ruling for more than 20 years now. I have seen how people of different religion are living peacefully in Kelantan. The Kelantan PAS-led government does not insult or infringe on the rights of the people of different faiths to practice their religion freely.

It is also notable that there are many Buddhist wats and Hindu temples throughout the state. I have never heard before that Menteri Besar Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat had insulted other religions and faiths. It is not the Islam that PAS believes in. It is the practice of extremists like Zul Noordin and Perkasa to insult other religions and faiths. So, Zulkifli should stop spewing lies against Pakatan Rakyat parties over his own mistake.

I urge the police to take action against Zulkifli immediately, since now he admitted making those insulting comments. A statement of insincere apology from Zulkifli does not change anything. If Zulkifli is not charged and punished for his seditious comment, it will create an impression and bad example, as though one can say anything as they wish and they will not be punished after they apologise.

If the police do not take any action against Zulkifli, it shows how unprofessional the force can be. We hope to see action taken against this individual.

SATEES MUNIANDY is assistant secretary, Penang DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy).