'Slanderous, malicious': Nga orders report lodged against PAS leader

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has instructed his officer to file a police report against Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria.

The DAP leader accused the Gunung Semanggol assemblyperson of making a slanderous allegation that he had officiated the Guan Gong cultural festival in Teluk Intan, Perak.

“I was a having meeting in Kuala Lumpur on that day. How can I be at two places at the correct time? This is clearly a lie.

“Following this, he accused us of endorsing (the event). We did not even organise the event. This is clearly slanderous.

“I instructed my special officer in Teluk Intan to lodge a police report on the slanderous, malicious (allegation),” he added.

Nga, who is the Perak DAP chairperson, claimed that Perak PAS was deliberately attempting to incite hatred and racial sentiment. 

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported Razman as urging the police to investigate the minister and state exco members over the parade after a video depicted several individuals waving China flags.

The Guan Gong Cultural Association, which organised the event, has apologised and clarified that the individuals who were filmed waving the flags were China nationals and not Malaysians.

‘SOP is slander, apologise, retract’

Clearing the confusion, Nga said he had officiated the Pesta Tanglung (Lantern Festival) on Sept 13.

“Everyone was full of praise for the lantern festival. Suddenly it is linked to the (Guan Gong) parade, which, if I am not mistaken, happened last night.

“Yesterday was Oct 24, the lantern festival was on Sept 13. Does he (Razman) not read? Can’t he tell the difference between September and October?” he asked.

Responding to a question, Nga said the nation is recovering from political turmoil and enjoying stability at the moment.

“I appeal to all quarters, including the opposition, to support the efforts of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to redevelop the country, especially in attracting investments to generate economic growth and improve the quality of life for the people. That is our main focus.

“Don’t hurl slanderous claims at your whims and fancies. Look at Razman, how many times has he made slanderous allegations?

“Before this, he accused the honourable prime minister of being LGBT. Then retracted (the allegation) and apologised. That is their SOP (standard operating procedure). Slander, apologise, and retract,” he added.

Nga said that the people should realise that Perikatan Nasional is bankrupt of ideas and reject the opposition coalition.

Respect local laws

On the China flags incident, the minister referenced the organiser’s apology and stated that it was an unintentional mistake.

“However, I hope the temple management and organiser would be more sensitive. I also want foreign nationals to respect our laws.

“The sovereignty of our country must be respected. Such incidents must not recur,” he added.

The apology had failed to placate Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who wanted concrete and stern action to be taken.

The police confirmed that the parade did not meet the requirements for holding gatherings under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

Meanwhile, China Press reported that an event linked to the International Guan Gong Cultural Festival had been cancelled at the eleventh hour.

The dinner banquet was scheduled to take place at a school hall in Teluk Intan at 7pm tonight, but the organiser notified the caterer of the cancellation at 5pm.

A photo of the venue showed an empty hall with more than 50 tables set up for a banquet.

The report said the cancellation is believed to be linked to the furore surrounding yesterday’s parade and flag-waving antics.

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