The Star CEO Wong: I have right to comment on bible-burning issue

 

PETALING JAYA: Star Publications Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai on Tuesday hit out at detractors who criticised him for questioning the decision not to prosecute Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali over the bible-burning remark.

Wong said he was entitled to comment on the decisions made by the Attorney-General's Chambers, "just like other Malaysians who have the right to comment on contemporary issues."

"It is not the monopoly of politicians and non-governmental organisations," he said in a statement.

Wong said he was not the only one who had commented on the issue.

"Many other Malaysians, including Cabinet ministers, have expressed their sentiments. We have the right to comment on the decision of the A-G.

"As responsible and moderate Malaysians, we should focus our energy on bringing people together, not making statements that causes disunity," he said.

Negri Sembilan Perkasa chief Ruslan Kassim in a statement on Monday urged Wong to stop "all the provocations" against Ibrahim and Wong need not teach the Attorney-General how to do his work.

In his On The Beat column on Nov 2, Wong said the A-G would set a dangerous precedent for his decision not to file charges against Ibrahim based on "context" and "intention" - which are matters that should be decided by the court.

"In future, any extremist, of whatever faith, can call for the burning of any holy book, and then cite the same pathetic reason that he or she was merely defending the sancity of his or her religion," Wong said.

Last week, the AGC said no legal action was taken against Ibrahim as he was "defending the sanctity of Islam" and had no intention to create religious disharmony when he called for the burning of Bibles with the word 'Allah.'

Politicians from both sides have urged the AGC to review the case against Ibrahim.