DAP demands apology for ‘kafir harbi’ remark at Nenggiri ceramah

PETALING JAYA: Several Malay DAP leaders have demanded an apology from the person featured in a viral video who labelled the party “kafir harbi” (belligerent infidels) during a recent Perikatan Nasional (PN) ceramah for the Nenggiri by-election.

Three DAP central executive committee members – Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman – also demanded that PAS and PN leaders clarify their stance on the use of the term.

“Otherwise, PAS and PN are urged to condemn such labelling,” they said in a joint statement today.

“We also urge PN to campaign in a mature and peaceful manner, rather than engaging in such politics of hate.”

The trio said they strongly condemned the individual’s actions, as DAP was a legitimate party with diverse members including Muslims.

They added that the term “kafir harbi” historically refers to non-Muslims considered enemies in the context of war.

“Thus, the extreme statement made at the Nenggiri ceramah constitutes an act of takfiri (excommunication) against DAP’s Muslim members, which is completely unacceptable,” they said.

In the nearly two-minute video clip, the master of ceremonies at the ceramah can be heard saying: “Do you know what kafir harbi is? Who is kafir harbi in Malaysia? DAP.”

The ceramah was attended by notable figures including Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman and Muafakat Nasional chairman Annuar Musa.

This is not the first time DAP has been labelled “kafir harbi”. In 2016, then-Pahang mufti Abdul Rahman Osman made similar remarks.

Last October, meanwhile, controversy arose in the Dewan Rakyat when Pengkalan Chepa MP Ahmad Marzuk Shaary of PAS called DAP “kafir” during a heated debate.