FOUR human rights and youth groups have condemned celebrity actor Zul Huzaimy Marzuki’s recent incitement of violence against a group of infidels (kafirs), and called on the organisers of the public forum where he made the remark to apologise for their “lack of oversight”.
In a since-viral video, Zul, better known as Spark, said that Muslims need to take care of kafir dhimmi (non-Muslims living in an Islamic state with legal protection) as they follow and support the Muslim authorities.
As for kafir harbi (enemies of Islam), Zul said: “For me, if I follow my instincts, I would have slaughtered many (of them). Many of you feel the same, correct? That’s why… there are laws in our country, correct?”
The audience of his speech at the Karnival Penghayatan Islam TDM Berhad in Kemaman, Terengganu, held on Nov 4, 2022, cheered him on at this point.
In a joint statement, freedom of expression watchdog the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), human rights centre Pusat KOMAS, vocal Muslim women’s rights group Sisters in Islam (SIS) and youth-run campaign #KamiNampak said Zul’s speech has instigated sentiments of violence and genocide towards non-Muslims.
“These sentiments, advocating violence, have no place in any society and pose a significant danger towards minority communities,” they said.
“Organisers of the public forum also bear responsibility in their negligence for permitting such a speech to continue unaddressed during and after the event,” they added.
CIJ executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu, on behalf of the four groups, called on all political actors to stop weaponising hate speech for political gains, noting that race- and religious-based hate speech can lead to intolerance and are often the precursor to violent crimes.
“Prevent spread of hate speech”
“In exercising freedom of expression, we urge political actors to adhere to international standards on equality and non-discrimination and prevent the spread of hate speech,” the prominent activist said.
PAS elections director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has since clarified that Zul’s controversial remarks do not represent the party as he is neither a PAS member or leader, following online comments claiming otherwise.
Wathshlah added that even though Zul apologised and tried to “clarify” the incident after calls for his head were made, the fact remains that his Nov 4 speech had the potential to “spark and protract large-scale atrocities” as well as “engender human rights violations”.
Echoing her, Pusat KOMAS programme coordinator Awang Ilham and SIS advocacy, legal services and research manager Adam Idris said race and religion should not be used to malign others or as political tools.
There is “no space” in religion for the cultivation of hatred, intolerance, prejudice and discrimination, Idris said further.
#KamiNampak campaign coordinator Jason Wee, meanwhile, said the harmful rhetoric Zul employed needs to be rejected by all parties involved.
“In an event during election season, political candidates should be swift in reaffirming the rights and safety of all communities,” Wee noted.
Bukit Aman has since opened a probe into Zul’s remarks under Sections 505(c) and 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation and intent to incite others to commit any offence against any persons, respectively, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities. – Nov 15, 2022
