Two Muslim groups are up in arms over remarks made by MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek at a party organised forum on the implications of hudud on non-Muslims.

During his opening address at the forum yesterday, Chua warned that the rights of non-Muslims and women would be curtailed, while foreign investors would shun Malaysia should hudud be implemented in the country.

Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) secretary-general Mohamad Raimi Ab Rahim said Chua's remarks showed he was ill-informed about Islam and were made in bad faith, which could create religious tension.

"Chua's statement follows Islamophobic sentiments, which are spreading rapidly throughout the world," said Raimi.

He said this was not the first time Chua had made statements that insulted the laws of Islam and he should therefore issue an open apology to all Muslims.

"Abim also urges (the government to take) stern action and warn (Chua), in order to prevent similar incidents from recurring," said Raimi.

Perkasa: Chua must withdraw remarks

Meanwhile, Malay rights pressure group Perkasa has warned Umno to teach MCA a lesson over Chua's remarks at the forum.

In a statement today, Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali said should Umno fail to do so, the movement would take action against MCA during the 13th general election.

syed hassan syed ali Syed Hassan said there was no point asking Chua to apologise because he was ignorant of the Islamic faith, and Perkasa instead wants him to withdraw the remarks.

He said Perkasa took offence over Chua's claim that hudud was cruel and would put Malaysia in a bad light in the eyes of the international community.

The group is also upset with Chua's claim that the implementation of hudud would result in a drop in foreign investment.

On the contrary, Syed Hassan said, should "true" hudud be implemented, more investors would pour money into Malaysia because crime and corruption would be reduced.