PAS Protests Rushdie's Knighthood

Malaysia's opposition Islamic party has slammed the British government for awarding a knighthood to Salman Rushdie, author of the controversial novel "Satanic Verses."

It held a protest in Kuala Lumpur to demand that the British government withdraws the title immediately.

Some 50 members and supporters of Malaysia's hardline Islamic party PAS staged a boisterous protest outside the British High Commission. Chanting slogans of "Destroy Salman Rushdie, Destroy Britain," they demanded that London withdraws the knighthood granted to the controversial author. The mid-day demonstration took place in the presence of some 40 police officers armed with shields and batons.

The protesters called on the British government to distance itself from Rushdie. "We do not want to see a repeat of the reaction by Muslims against Salman Rushdie similar to the scale 20 years ago. The British government must be responsible because it has created a sudden feeling of anger not just on Salman Rushdie but also towards British government. They have to bear the consequences," said Dr Mohamad Hatta Ramli, PAS Treasurer.

Dr Hatta said by conferring the coveted honour on Rushdie, Britain has tainted the image of the knighthood and put all previous recipients in a bad light.

Rushdie's novel, the Satanic Verses, had been deemed blasphemous by many Muslims when it was first published in 1988. The book sparked raging protests across the Muslim world then.

While PAS leaders want a satisfactory explanation from the British government for awarding Salman Rushdie the title before deciding on their next course of action, many have raised concerns whether the latest episode will inflame the ill feelings between Islam and the west. (Channel Newasia)

***** The PAS strategy in holding the protest is two-fold. First, is to placate their followers and the understandable anger at the awarding of the knighthood. More importantly it is to embarrass the Federal government, which is caught in a Catch-22 type of dilemma, especially when we are the current Chairman of the OIC. While I'm sure the federal leaders are equally disappointed, they know very well that it is Britain's prerogative to award anyone they choose to be honoured. They are also aware that any protests or demonstrations orchestrated by the government would be counter-productive and have therefore wisely distanced themselves and refrained from speaking out too much on the issue.

The best that they can do to match PAS now is to once again unleash Khairy Jamaluddin and his band of Umno Youth illiterates, while the Youth Chief Hishamuddin quietly hides in the background. Keris-wielding bravado may work wonders at home but I don't think the British would be too concerned about it.
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