Pertubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) and other Muslim NGOs are gathering 100,000 signatures across Penang to force Jelutong parliamentarian Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun to resign as the chief minister's chief of staff.

Failing this, the NGOs will demand that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng sack Ooi from his administration.

NONE Penang JIM committee member Dr MD Roslan Hashim said Ooi (right) has failed to apologise for referring to a JIM member as an 'Islamic extremist'.

"We are upset that Ooi had only retracted his statement, but stopped short of apologising to JIM and resigning from his position as demanded," he told a press conference when launching the signature campaign in Sungai Nibong, George Town today.

He said JIM will now carry out a state-wide online information campaign, public forums and dialogue sessions to canvass public support and collect the signatures in a month or two.

After that, he said JIM office-bearers will seek a meeting with Lim to table their demands.

"We will take follow-up actions to achieve our goals based on Lim's response," said Roslan, expressing optimism that JIM will get the signatures it wants to back its demands.

'No comment'

When contacted, Ooi declined to comment on the campaign and the renewed demand for an apology and his resignation.

"The organisation does not deserve a comment from me," quipped the outspoken MP, who rarely conceals his feelings on any subject of interest.

NONE A public row erupted early last month when Ooi branded PKR-nominated municipal councillor Mohd Razali Abdullah, a JIM member, as an Islamist extremist.

Sensing that Ooi's statement may trigger a Muslim backlash on his DAP state government Lim (left) promptly said that he was not with Ooi on this and directed him to withdraw his remark.

Ooi obeyed his boss' directive and duly withdrew his statement.

However, he refused to bow to demands from JIM and other Islam-based organisations, and to apologise and resign from his state post.

'Senseless' to attack JIM

Penang DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) secretary Ng Wei Aik also ticked off Ooi for dragging JIM into his personal feud with Mohd Razali.

Ng said it was senseless for Ooi to attack JIM, a registered organisation working closely with Dapsy on various social issues in the state.

State executive councillor Abdul Malik Kassim has called on Ooi to retract his statement as it was sensitive.

PKR state Youth secretary Khairil Anuar Kamaruddin has submitted a memorandum to Lim demanding that Ooi apologise to the Muslim community as well as to JIM.

Khairil said Ooi had crossed the line by attacking Islam and wanted him to apologise and retract his statement within 48 hours.

Even the police threatened to charge Ooi under sedition for stoking racial tensions and insulting Islam.

A 'political burden'

Ooi had criticised Mohd Razali and called him a political burden to the state government.

He said complex circumstances surrounding Mohd Razali's appointment in the One-Stop Centre of the Penang Island Municipal Council and his behaviour at meetings had made things difficult for the state government.

zaid kamaruddin interview interfaith 010606 talking In a recent statement, JIM national president Zaid Kamaruddin (right) said the organisation would continue to advocate for the understanding of Islam.

He said JIM prefers to present Islam as a choice, work on building acceptance and consensus while leaving it to the people to make their choice.

He said JIM's position is stronger in accordance with the federal constitution than the secular position Ooi attempts to champion.

"As a responsible NGO, JIM stands to preserve peace, uphold law and order and justice for all," he added.

Editor's note: It has been brought to our attention that the signature campaign against Jeff Ooi was launched by FORUM, a coalition of 24 Muslim NGOs in Penang, and not JIM. JIM Penang is a member of FORUM.