SHAH ALAM - Bukit Gelugor MP has urged the Attorney General to take action against Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang following his statement that non-Muslims were the root cause of corruption in the country.
Ramkarpal Singh said Hadi’s claim was not based on any evidence or empirical studies.
"Hadi should rethink his statement now that the Federal Court has confirmed that there was overwhelming evidence of abuse of power and criminal breach of trust by the former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when he was in office, which nearly crippled the country’s economy.
"There can be no doubt that Hadi has caused feelings of disharmony and enmity with such a racist and reckless statement and as such may have very likely committed an offence under section 298A of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement.
He further said the disharmony caused could lead to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than five years.
Ramkarpal said Hadi also committed an offence under Section 504 of the Penal Code which states intentional insult with intent to provoke and a breach of peace and shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.
"Leaders cannot be allowed to make such statements with impunity as they have far-reaching implications and threaten to disrupt peace and harmony amongst the different communities in this country,” he said.
He further said Hadi has not retracted or denied his statement.
Therefore, Ramkarpal urged the Attorney General to take action on Hadi under one or both sections in accordance with the law without fear.