KUALA LUMPUR – Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham has acknowledged that his recent controversial statement on shariah law likely triggered the arson attack on his house earlier this morning.
Despite incurring significant losses, including the total destruction of one vehicle and damage to two others, as well as vandalism to parts of his home in Ayer Tawar, Perak, Ngeh expressed forgiveness toward the alleged arsonist.
However, Ngeh contends that the opposition played a role in exacerbating the situation by distorting his statement, fuelling hatred towards him, particularly within the Muslim community.
“In response to my media statement, PAS and Bersatu leaders accused me of meddling in Islamic matters by distorting my media statement.
“I only made suggestions on the federal constitution, but they (the opposition) claimed I suggested electing non-Muslim law experts to amend Islamic law,” he told a press conference.
“It was said (by the opposition) that I was intervening on the harmonisation of the shariah court institution with non-Muslim specialists… this is a big lie.”
Ngeh confirmed that at approximately 2.15am earlier today, his Mercedes-Benz E300 was engulfed in flames, prompting him to alert police and the Fire and Rescue Department.
The amount of losses involved is still unconfirmed.
Realising the manipulation of his statement by the opposition, Ngeh issued an apology and emphasised the importance of open discussions, urging people to consider various suggestions and proposals.
“We have to think wisely in discussing and reaching decisions. I hope no one in the discussion is emotional,” he said.
“People should lower their voices and increase their reason without being emotional.”
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, in a Facebook post, confirmed the damage to Ngeh’s property resulting from the arson attack earlier today. Authorities discovered a Molotov cocktail near the house around 3am today.
Police are actively investigating the case and have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
On December 28, Ngeh’s statement proposing the inclusion of a non-Muslim constitutional law expert and a representative from the Malaysian Bar in the special committee on shariah laws drew criticism from Malay leaders on both sides of the political divide.
They accused him of provocation and undermining confidence in the Malay rulers, who are the custodians of Islam in their respective states.
DAP chief Loke had reiterated that Ngeh’s suggestion was a “mistake” and affirmed the party’s support for the authorities, including the Malay rulers.
Religious affairs minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar dismissed Ngeh’s proposal, stating it had no merit.
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed that non-Muslims should not interfere in the country’s Islamic affairs. – January 10, 2024