Defence minister says remark on Ismail and Isis taken out of context

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today says his statement on Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's racial rant and Isis is taken out of context. – The Malaysian Insider pic, February 9, 2015.Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today defended his recent comment on the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (Isis) and his colleague Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, saying that it was taken out of context.

Hishammuddin, who hit out Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders for demanding his explanation on the matter, said it is ridiculous and mischievous of them to have misinterpreted it to mean that he condoned racism.

The Umno deputy president said he was merely addressing issues pertaining to youth radicalisation and the challenges ahead for national security.

"Those who relate Ismail's statement to the Isis issue are not making any sense. I find it mischievous how my statements were taken out of context and I believe those behind it have hidden personal agendas," he said.

Hishammuddin recently, in his attempt to defend Ismail's call on Facebook urging Malay consumers to boycott Chinese-operated businesses, was quoted as saying that, "if you want to talk about moderation, Isis burning the Jordanian pilot is far worse than this case involving Ismail."

His comment immediately drew flak from various opposition leaders including the likes of Dr Dzulkelfy Ahmad, Nurul Izzah Anwar and Ong Kian Ming who asked if Hishammuddin was approving racism just because Ismail's remark was not as bad as Isis's brutality.

Hishammuddin said today that there is no point in playing up the issue as it would only worsen racial relations.

"I am not naive to link Isis with the price of items and Sabri's remarks. I have been and am very consistent in condemning both acts of terrorism and racism," he said.

Ismail, who is also the Bera MP and the agriculture and agro-based industries minister, had caused tension after refusing to apologise for his comment despite being heavily criticised.

Ismail had said earlier last week in a Facebook post, which he has since removed: "The majority of consumers are Malay, Chinese are a minority, if the Malays boycott their businesses, they will have no choice but to reduce their prices."

He admitted to making the post and later said it was not directed at all Chinese but only traders who refused to reduce their prices.

- TMI