KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has called on the police to conduct a proper inquiry into the actions of Ipoh Timor member of parliament Howard Lee for allegedly making his own interpretation of a Quranic verse.
Sanusi warned that inaction could exacerbate the anger of the Muslims, potentially prompting them to bring the matter to the streets.
"Do not wait until the people get frustrated, causing millions to eventually start protesting in Kuala Lumpur," said Sanusi during a speech at the Pelangai state assembly by-election Ceramah Perdana, in Dataran Purnama, Simpang Pelangai, Pahang, yesterday.
Citing the example of Jakarta Chinese-ethnic Christian Governor 'Ahok' who was jailed for blasphemy, Sanusi said both Ahok and Howard Lee have no grounds nor proper qualification to interpret the Quran.
"In Indonesia, the non-Muslim politician who interpreted a Quranic verse on his own was jailed for two years. But here in Malaysia, the police are just starting to investigate (Lee).
"Nevertheless, I want to express my gratitude to the police. Thank you for opening the investigation. Please investigate thoroughly," said Sanusi.
The Kedah menteri besar urged the authorities to take instant action against the incident, or else, he said, "in the future, those who share similar thoughts as (Lee) would just repeat the act".
"Lee's actions are insensitive and dangerous; (if it is not handled well), it would eventually harm the future of our nation," he added.
The Pas leader also condemned the authorities for their double standards, citing their strictness toward opposition leaders, including himself, in speeches involving the 3Rs (race, religion, and royalty), whereas this was not applied to Lee.
"Lee is still in New York following the government delegation," said Sanusi while being sour over the police for arresting him at three in the morning for the 3R investigation.
After receiving reports, police are conducting an investigation into the Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How, who was alleged to have made his interpretation of a Quranic verse in a viral video last week.