UMNO Man's "I Am Racist" Comment Leaves Netizens Confused About His Islamic-ness
What do our leaders have to say about racist remarks and insensitive comments?
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 17 Sep 2015, 07:30 PM
UMNO Supreme Council member Tan Sri Annuar Musa has openly admitted that he is a "racist"
“I am racist,” said UMNO Supreme Council member Tan Sri Annuar Musa, when trying to justify the racial overtones of today’s “red shirt” rally in Kuala Lumpur.
Anuar, who was the last speaker at today’s “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu”, said racism was allowed in Islam, except when it involved oppressing others.
themalaysianinsider.com
He went on to justify racism through Islam
“I am racist but it’s racism based on Islam. Racism is allowed in Islam,” Annuar told reporters at the end of the rally at Padang Merbok, which he claimed attracted 250,000 people.
Annuar then quoted a hadith (a saying of the Prophet) on assobiyah (Arabic term for pride in one's tribe) which he interpreted as justifying racism. Critics of today's rally have said it could incite ethnic tensions for its insistence on defending Malay supremacy and honour.
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His racial slurs obviously didn't sit well with anti-racism, moderate Malaysians
One thing lead to another and his speech brought about numerous comments from Malaysians, both Muslims and non-Muslims completely disagreeing with his distorted view of Islam.
Comments started pouring in from Malaysians, with most quick to rectify that Islam does not condone racism
While most were wondering about the hadith (a saying of the Prophet) that Annuar conveniently quoted to justify his statement, netizens stepped up to explain what the hadith actually means
Based on his blatant remarks, Annuar has certainly underestimated Malaysians' knowledge of Islam
Following Annuar's statements about racism being a part of Islam, Malaysians are now left wondering if Annuar actually understands the basic principles of the religion
Annuar released his 'I am racist' statement following yesterday's 'red shirts' rally that sparked much criticism from Malaysians for its racially tilted undertones
Some of the protesters from the 'red shirt' rally yesterday holding posters that read: "Malaysia Melayu Punya" (Malaysia Belongs To The Malays)
Image via MalaysiakiniWhat started as a violent demonstration of 'self-defense' a few days prior to Bersih 4.0 rally that was held late last month, sprang into a full-fledged protest yesterday.
The rally, coinciding with Malaysia Day, saw some racially instigated posters, burning of opposition politicians' photos, and a major standoff with the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) that not only forced the officers to release chemical-laced water cannon but also ended up injuring a couple of FRU officers.
Surprisingly, the street protest has been getting a lot of positive messages and attention from UMNO politicians, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who, yesterday, said that, he was 'touched' as the rally went on so peacefully.
FRU released chemical-laced water cannons after a large number of the protesters insisted on entering Petaling Street despite police ban of the area.
Image via Malaysiakini