Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who is the DAP Wanita’s assistant publicity secretary, said the banner materialised after she wrote a comment piece critical of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and its “negative rhetoric” in sermons.
It was uploaded in posts by “Johny Wick”, a private account in the social networking website, and another by a page called “Darul Ehsan Leaks” which has about 17,000-odd followers.
Johny Wick posted Syerleena’s picture at her oath-taking ceremony as a councillor in the Penang Island City Council, accompanied with the words “saya bersumpah akan serang Institusi Islam khususnya Jakim demi DAP” (I swear I will attack Islamic institutions, especially Jakim, for the sake of DAP.)
The other post by Darul Ehsan Leaks featured a collage comprising Syerleena’s picture and that of DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, with the same words on attacking “Islamic institutions”.
“What was said in these pictures is not true and is slanderous,” Syerleena said after lodging the report at the George Town district police headquarters here.
“My opinion piece only sought to remind Malaysians that Islam is a beautiful religion and one that should not condone hatred,” Syerleena said in a press conference at Penang DAP’s headquarters here today.
She said there were many reports of sermons in mosques being “hijacked by hate-filled rhetoric” and Jakim should be more responsible over the messages being delivered.
“For years, we have heard reports of sermons that single out women and demonise those who are not afraid to speak out against misogyny perpetuated by overzealous bigots.
“This type of negative messaging needs to stop,” she added.
Meanwhile, Amanah Youth deputy chief Saiful Azwan Abdul Malik said it was obvious that DAP’s detractors were trying to paint the party as anti-Islam, thereby proving they had run out of ideas.
“This is a psy-war by those who are against opposition parties, to further dampen the mood of the people as we get close to the election.
“It appears that more are trying to use religion, as their last ‘talian hayat’ (chance) to erode confidence in Pakatan Harapan.”