GE15: Perak PAS lodges report over Nga's 'Taliban state' claim

IPOH: A police report has been lodged against Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming for his claims that PAS would turn Malaysia into a Taliban-like state if it is part of the ruling government post-GE15.

State PAS secretary Fairuz Hafiizh Othman said Nga's accusations tarnished Islam's image.

"We view Nga's remarks seriously.

"He ... denied the recognition of Malaysia as an Islamic country while accusing PAS of threatening secular values," he said after lodging the report at the district police station here on Friday (Nov 18).

"His accusations that PAS will implement a Taliban state contradicts the statement of the PAS government in three states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.

"He also accused PAS of being a party of blasphemers when he himself is ignorant about Islam and the concept of an Islamic state that PAS is fighting for," he added.

Nga had reportedly warned voters not to support Perikatan Nasional, of which PAS is a member, as it could turn Malaysia into another Afghanistan with a Taliban-like government in charge.

He said extremist policies that could upset the secular values of the country's multiracial society would be implemented if Perikatan forms the ruling government.

Nga had made similar remarks in 2019 if an Umno-PAS coalition became a reality.

The Taliban is a Sunni Islamist movement founded in the early 1990s that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 till 2001 and again since the end of last year, enforcing its interpretation of Syariah law.

Fairuz Hafiizh said Nga's accusations were malicious and slanderous, adding that PAS' struggle was in line with the Federal Constitution.

"PAS' fight, which is moderate, is being portrayed in a bad (light) by Nga.

"He is known to be an extreme leader and this is a sign of ... prejudice and hatred towards moral and religious values fostered in Malaysia," he said.

Fairuz Hafiizh said PAS rejected a culture of slander and provocation.

"We call on all citizens to support Perikatan Nasional in building a caring, clean and stable country," he added.

Asked if legal action would be taken against Nga, he said it would depend on the outcome of the police investigation.

"If the need arises (for) legal action to be taken, we will see," he added.