KUALA LUMPUR – The arson attack against Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham’s property was meant to intimidate and stir racial and religious animosity, fellow DAP leader Howard Lee said.
Lee, the Ipoh Timur MP, said although no lives were lost in the January 10 attack on Ngeh’s residence in Ayer Tawar, Perak, the “potential for tragedy was stark” and worse could have happened.
“It’s clear that the intent behind this heinous act was to instil fear, harm or even eliminate Datuk Ngeh.
“This attack against a prominent figure in the unity government was undoubtedly a calculated political statement, a public spectacle meant to intimidate Datuk Ngeh and to rile up supporters of the perpetrator into a frenzy,” said Lee in a statement on Facebook.
Lee, who is a DAP central executive committee member, added that the attack was aimed at igniting “a tinderbox of racial and religious animosity” which could plunge the country into “potentially irreversible” polarisation and unrest.
Lee also lauded Ngeh’s decision to state his forgiveness towards the arsonist, saying this was “precisely what Malaysia needs to counter the current toxic cultural clashes.”
“Magnanimity is… a strategic imperative for the nation. It’s also a reminder that lasting peace often lies not in conquering enemies, but in transforming them into allies.”
Lee also likened the arson attack to a pivotal moment, like Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon in 23BC that sparked the Roman Civil War, as an event that could tip “simmering cultural tensions” in Malaysia either way.
Ngeh, a former Perak exco and former state assembly speaker, came under fire for suggesting last month that non-Muslim law experts be made members of a special government committee on shariah law and shariah courts.
Following backlash, the DAP politician apologised for making the suggestion. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had also intervened to quell tempers, calling Ngeh’s remarks a “mistake”.
In the arson attack on Ngeh’s residence, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into his compound, starting a blaze that destroyed a Mercedes-Benz car while damaging a Honda CRV and Toyota Hilux. The ceiling and roof of the porch were also damaged by the fire. No one was injured.
Ngeh, who has apologised for making the controversial suggestion, has acknowledged the attack was linked to his proposal.
The cabinet has condemned the arson attack on Ngeh’s home. The lawmaker, however, is also the subject of a police investigation after numerous reports were lodged against him for his remarks on the special shariah committee. – January 12, 2024
