Quranic verse saga: Lee apologises for Gerakan, PAS wing as well

DAP lawmaker Howard Lee has apologised for the “inconvenience” caused by his interpretation of a Quranic verse, which has become the subject of a police investigation and courted brickbats from Perikatan Nasional.

However, his remark appeared to be peppered with sarcasm since he roped in the PN component party Gerakan and the PAS non-Muslim supporters club as well.

“I take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

“And I also apologise for all of my non-Muslim friends from other parties, Gerakan and other parties as well as those from the PAS non-Muslim supporters wing who have also quoted Quranic verses in the political context,” he told a press conference held at the Ipoh Timor MP community centre in Ipoh, Perak today.

He addressed the press after giving his statement to the police at 2pm today at the Perak contingent police headquarters.

The Ipoh Timor MP also denied that he interpreted the Quran, asserting that he had only quoted from it.

“I use the term 'quoting' because the accusation is that I was interpreting. I was not interpreting; I was just quoting that verse."

He also said that apart from doing his own research, he consulted with several Islamic experts and ustaz (clerics) on the matter.

“I did not interpret it on my own, I quoted the interpretation of that verse that was taught by the wise and the pious. Not only in Islamic matters but all the topics that I want to comment on (but) are not my expertise, I will do my own research first, including talking to the religious people and a few clerics (ustaz),” he clarified.

“I’m also dubious about why Dewan Himpunan Pendukung PAS (DHPP) can quote Quranic verses and even recite them in Arabic, while I only quote the interpretations without reciting them in Arab.

“I want to ask if there has been a police report lodged against DHPP as well?”

Umno sec-gen’s recommendations

On Sep 22, the police revealed that an investigation against Lee was underway following reports lodged over the video, with claims that he had insulted Islam.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay meanwhile said that Lee would be investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Speaking at the press conference today, Lee revealed that the apology was made following recommendations by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who advised him not to use Quranic verses when discussing politics in the future.

“It was not (a piece of advice) from the DAP leadership (for me to apologise). It was Asyraf’s suggestion (for Lee to apologise) to avoid slanderous remarks against me and the religion.”

He also shared Asyraf’s sentiments that PAS had lauded DAP and PKR members for "reading" the Quran when the three parties were part of Pakatan Rakyat.

“I’m also dubious about why, in the past, when DAP was in the same coalition with PAS, it was not only allowed to use but encouraged to understand the meaning behind the Quran.

“But now, it’s not allowed.”

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