FEB 23 — Can you hear that sound? It is the sound of silence from the prime minister, the shadow prime minister (Mahathir Mohamad), the Cabinet, Umno/MIC/MCA/Gerakan following that provocative statement by Datuk Harussani Zakaria that Malays must defend their country ala jihad because they own this country.

The Perak mufti and Umno apologist also said that Prophet Muhammad also enjoined people to defend their race, an assertion that has been roundly criticised by Islamic scholars and Muslims.

Harussani and those in his camp — and I include all those who by their silence I take are agreeing with his position — are playing a dangerous and divisive game.

They are trying to paint non-Muslims as some sort of threat, a disgusting tactic given that scores of Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Eurasians, etc have been born here and have as much right to this place as anyone else.

Why is Harussani so brazen and provocative?

Because he took the cue from Najib, Soi Lek and others who have been pitting Malays against non-Malays and vice-versa. If the PM and political leaders can break up the fabric of this country, why not an Umno apologist?

If the champion bearer of 1 Malaysia can take refuge in shameful racial politics, why should we be aghast that a so-called religious leader can also do the same?

And where is Soi Lek or Palanivel or Tsu Koon or Dompok or Ongkili?

I tell you where they are. Quietly supporting the likes of Harussani because they treasure remaining in power more than doing the right thing.

* Ali Kadir reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.