Is PAS’ Jerlun MP Abd Ghani Ahmad a coward?

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Is PAS’ Jerlun MP Abd Ghani Ahmad a coward?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28, 2024: Social actvitist lawyer Siti Kasim has publicly challenged PAS’ Jerlun MP Abd Ghani Ahmad to repeat his accusations aginst her in Parliament.

Siti dared Ghani to repeat his claims outside the 222-seat Paliament and not embrace the protection of parliamentary immunity, which shields members from legal repercussions for statements made during parliamentary debates.

Ghani, please show that you are an anak jantan (brave male).

No News Is Bad News reproduces the following related comment:

"I am a Proud Liberal": Siti Kasim Dares PAS MP to Reiterate Allegations Outside Parliament

Politics

26 Oct 2024 • 12:00 PM MYT

Kamran

A freelance content creator

 

Malay Mail

Prominent lawyer-activist Siti Kasim has publicly challenged Jerlun MP, Abd Ghani Ahmad of PAS, to repeat his claims that she insulted Islam outside of the Dewan Rakyat. Siti, known for her vocal defense of liberal values, took to social media to call out the MP, daring him to restate his accusations without the protection of parliamentary immunity, which shields members from legal repercussions for statements made during parliamentary debates.

In a video posted on her Instagram, Siti addressed the issue head-on, pointing out the unfair advantage MPs have when making potentially defamatory statements under parliamentary privilege. "You know I can’t sue you if you make such comments in Parliament,” she stated, before issuing her challenge to Abd Ghani. "If you are truly brave, say it outside. Let’s see if you can prove when and where I supposedly insulted Islam.”

This confrontation arose after Ghani, during a recent parliamentary session, questioned the government’s stance on handling what he termed “liberal Muslims,” specifically singling out Siti Kasim. He accused her of insulting Islam in various ways, including calling for the closure of tahfiz schools and disputing the controversy over socks bearing the word "Allah." Ghani further claimed that Siti’s liberal views, along with those of like-minded individuals, posed a danger by distorting the fundamental teachings of Islam.

In his speech, Ghani alleged that Siti’s actions reflected a broader issue with liberal Muslims, who he said were promoting dangerous ideas through alternative interpretations of religious texts. He criticized these interpretations for challenging the core beliefs of Islam, citing concerns about the growing acceptance of concepts such as religious pluralism, where different faiths are treated equally, and the idea that people from different religions can celebrate each other’s religious festivals.

Siti, however, did not shy away from defending her beliefs. She proudly embraced the label of “liberal,” even suggesting that all MPs should undergo training on the Federal Constitution, which she claims contains the term “liberal.” According to her, being a liberal is not only a personal conviction but one that is aligned with the spirit of the Constitution. "So I am a proud liberal. Someone like me, a liberal, is mentioned in our constitution," she declared in her video.

This isn't the first time Siti Kasim has found herself in the crosshairs of conservative figures. Her outspoken views on issues like freedom of religion, gender equality, and human rights have often clashed with more traditional interpretations of Islam, making her a polarizing figure in Malaysia's sociopolitical landscape. Her challenge to Abd Ghani reflects her long-standing commitment to confronting her critics and defending her values, even when it sparks controversy.

The ball is now in Abd Ghani's court. Whether or not he will take up Siti’s challenge and reiterate his claims outside Parliament remains to be seen, but the tension between liberal and conservative forces in Malaysian politics is likely to continue making headlines.

 

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