A shocking incident happened in Ayer Tawar, Perak earlier today after the residence of Beruas Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham caught fire as a result of an alleged arson attack using a Molotov cocktail.
As reported by BERNAMA, the attack resulted in one of Ngeh’s cars being destroyed, while 2 other vehicles sustained the effects of heat.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) received a distress call from the Beruas MP himself regarding the incident at around 2.55am today.
Furthermore, the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) also received a distress call about the incident around 10 minutes later and dispatched a team which managed to put off the fire on the residence’s porch before it could spread further.
Perak Police Chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri confirmed that PDRM are now hunting for an individual suspected of hurling a Molotov cocktail which resulted in the fire.
Following the shocking incident, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook released a statement condemning the alleged attack, stressing that any form of extremism is unacceptable in dealing with differences within our society.
Loke, who is also the Transport Minister said that DAP sympathises and stands in solidarity with Ngeh’s family following the alleged arson attack. He further asserted,
“DAP strongly condemns this extremist attack that threatened his (Ngeh’s) family’s lives. We stress that any form of extremism is unacceptable whatsoever in dealing with the differences in our society.
“DAP also calls upon the Home Ministry and PDRM to take serious attention to the incident and to ensure that the safety and public order are always safeguarded.”
Ngeh, who is a DAP member, caught controversy recently after proposing for non-Muslim constitutional experts to be appointed to the special committee studying the competence of states to enact Islamic laws.
According to Malay Mail, he has since apologised and retracted the proposal after misunderstanding the formation of the special committee, which is not determined by the Cabinet but by the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI).
The alleged Molotov cocktail attack was also condemned by PAS, who said that arson attacks over political differences are unacceptable.
In a statement by PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, the party expressed condolences to Ngeh and hoped that the authorities could investigate the alleged attack with existing laws.
Ahmad Fahdli also advised all parties to not speculate on the incident and to wait for the investigation by the authorities.
He asserted,
“No matter our differences in politics, the act of arson and vandalising the property of others, especially when it could lead to the loss of lives are unacceptable.”
So, what do you guys think of the situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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