Ustaz Kazim denies claims he is a racist

IPOH: Well-known independent preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias has denied claims that he is a racist and has uttered remarks allegedly stoking racial unrest in a video clip circulating online recently.
He said the whole content of the video made during his lecture in Kuala Lumpur six years ago was aimed at defending the position of Malay Rulers, Malay rights and privileges, as well as Islam as the official religion of the federation, which were often disputed by certain parties.
"The complainant did not understand what I meant, or he just understood what was said in that two-minute video clip, he did not get to watch before and after that two minutes," he told reporters here today.
Mohamad Kazim, better known as Ustaz Kazim, said it was his duty as a Muslim to defend all those matters.
He said the issue was intentionally raised to get away from current hot issues such as the topic on hudud and the implementation of local government elections, as advocated by the opposition.
"I do not want to argue or pick up a fight. This is an old issue which has resurfaced after about six years.
"I am not a politician and not involved in any political parties. I only talk on religion but I am being accused and harassed," he said.
Mohamad Kazim also viewed the allegation as an attempt to restrain him from giving public lectures.
Earlier, about 500 members from 22 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) held a peaceful assembly at Dataran Pusat Pendidikan Al-Barakah here.
Among the NGOs were Majlis Ayahanda-Ayahanda Perak, Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) Perak, Pusaka Gayong Perak and Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Pekida).
The group carried placards and banners expressing support for the popular preacher in his cause to defend Islam and privileges of the Malays.
Yesterday, Mohamad Kazim lodged a report at the Manjoi police station on the spread of the video clip of his lecture which was claimed to incite racial sentiment.
Last Monday, Chairman of Kampung Jambu Resident Association, Tumpat, Kelantan, Pui Tiong Lam made a report at Wakaf Bharu, Tumpat police station claiming that the lecture by Ustaz Kazim in the video clip which lasted 2 minutes and 27 seconds, was aimed to humiliate the Chinese community. – Bernama