We need to weed out those who spread hate, says Zaid

PETALING JAYA: There are many others like Zamihan Mat Zin all over the country who “use Islam as their shield” to expound dangerous ideas, said Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pic).

“All these hate-mongers will destroy our values and the fabric of our society.

“Ultimately, they will wage war against the people of this country. You must be able to see this if you look hard enough!” he wrote on his blog at www.zaid.my on Thursday.

Zaid, who is now with DAP after leaving PKR and previously Umno, said the authorities must not be scared of religious preachers who promote hate.

“The authorities must be able to differentiate between those who promote Islam according to the way of the Prophet, which is the peaceful way, and those who have hatred in their blood and hide under the cover of religion in order to wreak havoc in our country,” he said.

Zaid said he would continue to speak out against any “dangerous ideologies” promoted by people like Zamihan, despite the threats that he has received.

The former law minister said the remark made by the controversial preacher is “criminal in nature” and dangerous to the community and country.

“His threat of a legal suit against me, and other threats, will not deter me from continuing to speak out against such dangerous ideologies,” said Zaid in the statement.

“It won’t stop me from saying why those in charge of Islam, as well as the Government, must wake up to the danger of such preachers before it is too late,” he added.

He said Zamihan's remark, made during his speech on why Muslimsonly launderettes are necessary, promoted hate towards others of different faiths.

“No civilised society will sit and watch such a tirade without caring about the consequences and the repercussions that it may bring,” said Zaid.

Zamihan, who is Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Malaysia president, is under fire for allegedly criticising Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar over a Muslims-only launderette in the state, in a video that has gone viral in the internet.

In the same video, he labelled Chinese people as being “unhygienic”.

Zamihan, however, has denied mentioning the name of the Johor Sultan and using abusive or seditious words.

He also said that he would take legal action against news portals if they do not make a retraction and apologise for their articles on his speech.

Following his remark, a police report was lodged against him and he is being investigated under the Sedition Act.