KUALA LUMPUR: Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali said he will not retract his statement on Senator P. Waytha Moorthy, despite the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department's issuance of a 24-hour ultimatum for him and Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.
“I will see you in court.” he said when asked about the matter today.
Earlier, Waytha Moorthy had demanded Tajuddin and Ibrahim to retract their statements, which insinuated that he had insulted the Malay and Muslim community in the country.
He said the two leaders could face a defamation suit if they failed to retract the statements.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim insisted he would not retract his statement or apologised to the minister.
“It is up to him (Waytha Moorthy) and what action that he wants to take.
"He was the one who should have retracted his statement when claiming that police were late to take action in the recent Sri Maha Mariamman temple incident.
“Although he had commended the police for being professional later on, his initial statement was irresponsible. I will not apologise. If he wants to take legal action, go ahead,” he told reporters when met at the Perkasa headquarters today.
Ibrahim said he would leave it to the court to decide who had started the “fight.”
“He (Waytha Moorthy) said he had uttered the statement because we practice freedom of speech in the country. Same goes with me. I too have the right to express my opinion.
Earlier, Ibrahim had called for a press conference as police were expected to record his statement over the speech at Perkasa annual general assembly on Sunday.
However, he said the police decided to postpone the matter.
“I am ready to cooperate with the police. What I said were recorded on video and also aired live last Sunday.
“I will be responsible for my action. If I am found guilty, I will face the law.” he said.