Although he seems to always be in the limelight for the wrong reasons, controversial PKR MP Zulkifli Noordin claims that that has never impacted on his grassroots support which has always been strong.

NONE The Kulim Bandar Baru MP even lost his ‘cool' when Malaysiakini said that his popularity seems to have declined among non-Malay Muslims since the Bar Council episode and now the issue over the word ‘Allah'.

It even reached a point where he accused the online news portal of being "anti-Islam".

"My popularity, according to who? Are you sure? You are talking about a small group, making the biggest noise. I think you are wrong to say that my popularity has gone down.

"People from where? From your side? That is what you see. For instance, a man may write a comment and say he represents the people. But how many people are behind him?. For all I know, he may be alone.

"For me this is all propaganda. You want to say you represent the people? Then okay, give me the statistics," said an irate Zulkifli.

To back his claim, he said he has been receiving overwhelming support particularly through postings on his personal blog and emails.

"I even have support from PAS especially the grassroots. But I am not sure about your statistics. Because you, Malaysiakini , is now confirmed, anti-Islam," he said.

Zulkifli stressed that the comments posted against him should not be used as a yardstick to measure his popularity.

"I can tell you, what has been said to me is totally different and I think, I am among the MPs who go down to the ground every day to give ceramah at the mosques and surau without fail. I meet the crowd everyday and the response has been fantastic," he said.

My principles not contrary to Pakatan's

Zulkifli said he has never gone against Pakatan Rakyat common framework that was unveiled at its inaugural convention on Dec 19 in Shah Alam.

Where common policies are concerned, he said, Pakatan had elaborated clearly the need for a transparent and pure democracy, defending the Federal Constitution while preserving the rights of the people and their religions.

"It also states very clearly that it would defend Islam's position as the main religion in the country and uphold the Royal Institution while elevating the Malay language without sidelining other races and religions.

"So which part of this common policy you are saying that I have gone against?" he asked.

Zulkifli, also a practicing Syariah lawyer, is seen as the most outspoken and controversial PKR leader on issues touching religious sensitivities.

He first grabbed the headlines when he expressed his resentment against a Bar Council meeting that was called to discuss the issue of religious conversions .

NONE Amidst his strong views against the High Court's decision on the ‘Allah' issue, he then landed in hot water after lodging a police   report against his colleague PAS Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad after the latter called for the amendment of the Selangor religious enactment.

This immediately led to the PKR political bureau handing down a one-month gag order on him pending a disciplinary hearing.

Excerpts from the interview follow. These have been edited for language and clarity.

Malaysiakini: How would you describe your relationship with Khalid Samad?

Zulkifli Noordin : I have nothing personal against Khalid Samad. He is my friend actually. We used to give ceramah together in Shah Alam and I have known him for so long.

He even had stronger views than me back then. But I don't know what had happened to him now.

I can argue about the word ‘Allah' until the cow comes home. But the breaking point was when he insulted the state enactment on religion, saying that it was outdated.

Not only did he insult Muslims, he also said that the Muslims have a weak mentality and should be protected.

Is he saying that the people who drafted the enactment back in 1988 were stupid and too weak that they need protection? That's what really ticked me off.

The enactment was implemented based on the Federal Constitution. But why on earth I am being attacked now? Are they playing a double game (with me)?

But was it necessary to lodge a police report?

Yes, because this is considered criminal. For example, what would you do if you witnessed a rape or  someone involved in  arobbery?

He has committed a crime and should be investigated under the Sedition Act 298 (a) of the Penal Code.

But I may be wrong, people may be wrong. But it is up to the police to investigate that. For me, he has crossed the line when he insulted Islam.

VIDEO | 6 mins

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