Pas Youth Criticises Slow Action Against Harith Facebook User

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PAS Youth is disappointed with the authorities’ “disproportionate” actions against comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecelia Yap, who made an insensitive remark on the ham and cheese sandwich uproar.
The wing’s deputy chief, Mohd Hafez Sabri, noted that while authorities swiftly took action against individuals who threatened Harith and his family, similar measures against the comedian and Yap have yet to be appropriately addressed.
“This clearly demonstrates an imbalance in the enforcement of laws that should be protecting interfaith harmony in this country,” he was quoted as saying by Harakah Daily.
On Friday, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 31-year-old man to five months in prison and fined him RM2,000 for criminally intimidating Harith’s ex-wife.
The charge sheet states that the accused sent a WhatsApp message with a photo and threatening words, implying intentions to commit rape and murder against their 12-year-old daughter.
Harith IskanderThe threat came in the wake of police investigating the comedian for a satirical post on the use of the word “ham” following the controversy over the halal status of sandwiches sold at a convenience store in Universiti Malaya.
Yap, who is also being investigated over a comment on Harith’s Facebook post, has since apologised.
More than a dozen police reports were lodged against Harith and Yap, who are accused of insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad through their remarks on social media.
‘No trivial matter’
Hafez, who is also the Manjoi assemblyperson, emphasised that the halal issue is not a trivial matter but a religious obligation in Islam that must be respected by all parties.
At the same time, he stated that insulting the name “Muhammad” - which refers to the prophet - is a serious matter.
Therefore, he said PAS Youth urged the authorities to be fair and consistent in taking action against any individuals who incite religious tensions.
“No one should be exempt from legal action if they insult or mock the religious sensitivities of any community,” he added.
He further stated that remaining silent on insults towards Islam would only create more opportunities for future provocations.
Additionally, Hafez said PAS Youth advises the public to be cautious in making statements that could cause tension and to always uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara, which stresses politeness and morality. - Mkini

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