Cops probing DAP leader's use of Quranic verses to urge Muslim support for govt

A DAP leader's use of Quranic verses to urge Muslims to support the current government has led to police reports against him, calling for an investigation for insulting Islam by misinterpreting Quranic texts.

Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How had uploaded a TikTok video in which he cited verse 59 of Surah an-Nisa of the Quran, part of which reads: "O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you."

"This is a holy verse. The truth is, all of the propaganda about elevating Islam, elevating religion, nation, and country in the name of religion – all of it is based on what you want and is actually in order to get votes," Lee said in the four-minute clip.

He also condemned PAS, accusing its president Abdul Hadi Awang of abusing religion while citing the verse to tell Muslims of their duty to support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government.

"Malaysia Madani, which is based on the principle of diversity and the plurality of race, heritage, and culture, is clearly a threat to Hadi, and Hadi cannot accept that others can live in unity like Madinah al-Munawwarah," he said, referring to the Islamic administration of Prophet Muhammad.

Lee also described Hadi and PAS leaders who question the current government as among the "Kharijites", a label frequently used on extremist Muslims who deviate from mainstream Islam.

The clip drew criticism from internet users as well as PAS leaders, many of whom reminded Lee that obedience to leaders is conditional.

Yesterday, a group called Jalinan Bersatu Sahabat or Jabat lodged a police report against Lee.

Perak police chief Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri confirmed that the case is being investigated by Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Unit.