DAP leaders mixed over Nga's 'Taliban state' remark

Published: Mar 10, 2019 12:49 PM | Updated: Mar 18, 2019 3:34 PM

DAP deputy secretary-general Nga Kor Ming's remark that the union between Umno and PAS could turn Malaysia into a "Taliban" state has courted mixed reactions from leaders in his party.

Johor DAP publicity secretary Sheikh Omar Ali said in a statement today that Pakatan Harapan leaders should refrain from issuing such "extreme" statements.

"We should be careful when commenting on current issues, be it related to the development of political parties, the public, or government affairs.

"Extremism cannot be countered with extreme speech. As Malaysian leaders, we should refrain from behaving as such," he said.

Last Friday, Nga told members of the Chinese press that if an Umno-PAS coalition were to come into power, Malaysia could turn into a Taliban state.

He added that the Umno-PAS alliance will harp on issues of race and religion to garner support, and once in power, will implement extreme policies to victimise non-Malays and moderate Malays.

His remarks drew the ire of former premier Najib Abdul Razak, who accused the Perak DAP chief of attempting to incite racial and religious hatred.

'No slanderous politics'

As Sheikh Omar noted, Harapan leaders should not stoop to countering extremism by means of sowing the seeds of hatred and suspicion among different ethnic groups.

"The cooperation between Umno and PAS is not against our democracy, and we should not arbitrarily liken (them) to the Taliban.

"Moreover, we do not want any party in Malaysia to practise slanderous politics."

Sheikh Omar said that Umno and PAS have the right to pursue a political alliance, but that Harapan should focus instead on its agenda of bringing change to the people.

"DAP is often slandered as a chauvinistic party, and we should be aware that such extreme remarks will not lead the party anywhere. If DAP is cornered, it will find it very hard to remedy its badly tarnished image.

"As much as we are not willing to be called a 'Communist party' by our rivals, we should not label others 'Taliban'.

"We should be mature and get ourselves out of such a shallow-minded trap," he said.

'Much in common'

Perak exco Howard Lee (photo) came to Nga's defence by pointing out apparent similarities between the Umno-PAS alliance and the Taliban.

Lee claimed that Umno is choosing violence and intimidation in its struggle, and said PAS disguised its craving for political power under the guise of "penyatuan ummah" (Muslim unity), while branding those not in agreement as 'kafir' (infidels).

"Afghanistan today is a failed state due to the Taliban's failure to govern.

"By right, Malaysia should learn from history and refrain from being deceived by such fake nationalism.

"When Umno and PAS form an alliance, it is not wrong in logic to liken them to the Taliban, members of which are known as robbers, thieves and looters of the wealth of the people in Afghanistan."

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Try to understand the underlying message in Taliban. What he means is extremism akin to Taliban. So nothing wrong in calling PAS Taliban.

Norman Fernandez11:45 AM, 10 Mar 2019

There you go again. Infighting. Shirk should join PAS. PAS is taliban in the minds of most non Malays, if hypocrite taluban Umno marries into taliban PAS what does he think he will. A Taliban creature. Remove Shiek from his position.

Van Helsing10:45 AM, 10 Mar 2019

Trying to spook everyone with words like Taliban will not have the intended effect rather it makes Dap's outlook seem very narrow. Islam is a progressive religion and turning Taliban is an insult to right thinking Muslims. We voted a change for the better and not for the worse.

PinkBird986910:35 AM, 10 Mar 2019

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Try to understand the underlying message in Taliban. What he means is extremism akin to Taliban. So nothing wrong in calling PAS Taliban.

Norman Fernandez11:45 AM, 10 Mar 2019

Van Helsing10:45 AM, 10 Mar 2019

PinkBird986910:35 AM, 10 Mar 2019

YB Nga is right to brand Pas and umno as Taliban like in their attempt to gain power by wholly manipulating race and religion issues after all the two parties are monoethnic or all Malays and Muslims parties. They are different from DAP a multiracial political party whereas umno and Pas just cannot fit in the country made up of many races and religions and cultures .

GalaxyM09:09 AM, 10 Mar 2019

What's wrong of Nga expressing his worries of Malaysia lurching to becoming a Taliban state ? Freedom of expression includes freedom of expressing his worries !

cakap kosong08:25 AM, 10 Mar 2019

DAP, are you all idiots denying the elephant in the room. When a youngster is sentenced for 10 YEARS for a comment in the social media what your idiots think the country is. This how you Chinese scoundrels allow Malays to screw for your delusional political power that does not exist. Shit, Call a spade a spade and face the challenge with courage and conviction.

PinkMarlin483808:20 AM, 10 Mar 2019

DAP should raise Penang’s job markets, income, development and transport to match Singapore. Let evryone see the difference between them and the taliban turbanators.

tropic plunder07:52 AM, 10 Mar 2019

shut up Sheikh Omar Ali , u drink water, u should know the source. dont tell me you are also a taliban.

ScarletShark613207:34 AM, 10 Mar 2019

Wat he said is a truth waiting to happen. He's not stupid to say things like that . Beware non's our times are coming to a end faster that expected

PurpleHorse602507:30 AM, 10 Mar 2019

YB Nga hits the nerves of the so called future 'taliban'. Whether DAP keep silence or bang the pot, the party will be labeled as anti-Malay and anti-Islam. They can't beat you so with such labelling and scare the shit out their people. Who started such labelling ? Ask Tun M.

Xiao Zhu07:13 AM, 10 Mar 2019

All these kind of race/religion politics is leading us to kingdom come one day in the near future. We shall be a failed state ,like the Taliban state of Afganistan and many of those Middle East kingdoms. Will the Government of Harapan have the guts and wisdom to ban all race and religion based political parties once and for all in this country urgently? No more Bersatu, MCA, MIC, UMNO, PAS, Amanah, Parti Bumiputra, kinds anymore. Just neutralise all such race and religion based platforms and let us move forward from there. Pakatan Harapan, you are the Government now , and you promised CHANGE, and here is one change that will bring more harmony and goodwill .....and maturity to all politicians....the the rakyat too.

Appum06:58 AM, 10 Mar 2019

Sheikh Omar it is because of spineless leaders like you that past and umno is roaring everywhere and you like a pussycat just vag your tail. They have said that they want an Islamic government where non-Muslims cannot hold posts of ministers, CJ, AG etc. This is clearly against the constitution and the rule of law. Your heart appears to be with them. If as Hadi has said that he wants to introduce the true Islam that was practiced 1400 years ago then what does it mean. There will be no democracy, there will be cutting of limbs ,stoning etc. Is this not Taliban to where we will be heading. Shame on you Nik Omar.

constitutional supremacy06:56 AM, 10 Mar 2019

It is okay for PAS-Umno to form a Malay-only union,and continue their racist propaganda.However it is wrong to say they would form a Taliban gomen . Harapan leaders,especially the Malays, should have the courage to support Nga's svery-appropriate description,instead of critcising him for the fear of losing Malay votes. The Nons and the right-thinking Malays should reject Taliban gomen

Caripasal06:41 AM, 10 Mar 2019

We are now on a slippery slope of religious and racial extremism. We have probably reached the point of no return. Never before , has the nation been so polarised. It is probably time for those with means to consider emigration, especially the younger generation. Don't be mesmerised by the semblance of modernity like malls, restaurants and bars, in the big cities. All this can disappear once an extremist Islamic government comes to power. The purchasing power of the ringgit can collapse and you will be left stranded with a worthless currency in a failed state. It is better to prepare now for emigration when the ship is still afloat. The omens do not look good for the non Muslims and liberal Muslims. Think seriously about the future of your next generation once a Taliban like Islamic government takes over.

Thor06:13 AM, 10 Mar 2019

liken pasdumno with Taliban, members of which are known as robbers, thieves and looters of the wealth of the people in Malaysia like Afghanistan." Najib hadi and gang already done it so talibans . Sheik omar tidur lah . They declared war since CH elections and very aggressive like IS.

Muruga05:39 AM, 10 Mar 2019

Afghan talibanism: enforced the strict interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law. = Ruu355 taliban PAS

Coexist05:12 AM, 10 Mar 2019

Sheikh Omar, what are you trying to say? Are you on the side of two parties who had exhibited Talibanism without any trace of doubts and had never shown any signs of remorse when it comes to attacking other religions? DAP is right in hitting out at the marriage of convenience of UMNO and PAS. What are their motives? Remember PAS had always insisted on the archaic way of government. Sheikh, if you are not happy with DAP then please resign and join PAS or UMNO. Nobody cares for a possible Taliban turncoat.

OMG 10005:06 AM, 10 Mar 2019