Ngeh forgives alleged arsonists, blames PN for fanning 'flames'

Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham today said he forgives the alleged arsonists behind the fire that occurred at his home in Perak early this morning.

However, he blamed Perikatan Nasional components PAS and Bersatu for fanning tensions that led to the incident.

“I forgive those who want to burn my cars, house and even harm my family if they have been misled by falsehood and instigated by others to hate and commit violence,” he said at a press conference in Ayer Tawar this afternoon.

He also claimed that a bottle had been found at the scene with an object resembling a firework handle taped to it.

Earlier, Perak police chief Yusri Hassan Basri confirmed that the fire was suspected to be an act of arson and noted that the investigation is being carried out from multiple angles.

There were no casualties reported in the 2.50am incident but three cars were affected, including a Mercedes E300, which was almost completely razed.

Also partially burnt were a Honda CRV, and Toyota Hilux, as well as the house’s porch roof.

Ngeh said this incident would not have happened if PAS and Bersatu had not incited their supporters against him and painted him as anti-Islam.

Arson was suspected due to a previous statement he made on Dec 28, he said, referring to his suggestion for the inclusion of non-Muslim experts in the special committee to review the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court.

Following widespread backlash, Ngeh apologised and withdrew his proposal.

Statement withdrawn for ‘greater good’

He said today he had withdrawn his statement for the greater good once he realised that it was being used to stir up intolerance and hatred among the people.

“Unfortunately, PAS and Bersatu leaders have accused me of interfering in Islamic matters by distorting my media statement,” he said.

Despite his original statement recommending non-Muslim experts on matters related to the Federal Constitution, opposition leaders claimed he wanted to amend Islamic laws, he added.

He said such allegations had misled the Muslim community and instigated hate against him.

“The fruit of hate is violence. Because they fanned (sentiments) and provoked people to hate me.

“Otherwise, why would someone want to burn my car, my house, while knowing that I am at home, to kill me in my house?” he asked.

Discussion and suggestions should not be met with anger if Malaysia intends to develop itself as a progressive nation, he added.

He also dismissed claims of being anti-Islam, saying he had proven otherwise when he won a defamation court case against Umno member Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

In 2018, Ismail was ordered to pay RM80,000 in damages and RM5,000 in costs to Ngeh for defamation following the former’s Facebook post referencing a certain “Ngeh family” from DAP, which he said was “anti-Islam” and owned the Old Town White Coffee franchise.

“When I saw him in court, he could not show an utterance or action that I have been anti-Islam. He admitted that he defamed me, he admitted liability and paid me RM80,000 compensation and RM5,000 costs,” the Beruas MP said.

‘Don’t stir up hatred, create unrest’

Ngeh also said he knows many good Malays and that he has many Malay friends.

“I call on all political parties and religious-based organisations to act responsibly and not to stir up hatred and create unrest.

“Malaysians need to unite to fight against extremism and violence in our society,” he added.

He hoped society would learn to show more compassion and mercy.

Ngeh and his wife were reportedly asleep during the incident before a couple rang their doorbell to alert them of the fire.

Ngeh lodged a report on the matter at the Ayer Tawar police station.

This morning, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke condemned the incident.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari also denounced the alleged attack, calling it unacceptable.

Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid decried the alleged attack as well, adding that his party does not permit criminal attacks regardless of differences in political opinion.

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