Speaking at a press conference, Ngeh said the perpetrators might have been misled by falsehoods and instigated by others into committing the act.
“I forgive those who wanted to burn my cars, my house, and even harm my family, if they have been misled by falsehoods and instigated by others into committing hatred and violence,” he said.
Citing his decades of experience as a lawyer and in public service, Ngeh said a life involved in crime would not be a happy one.
“I invite them to turn over a new leaf, be good citizens and not cause worry to their families. Your family members love you, and when you are involved in crime, it causes them much pain, sleepless nights and endless worries,” he said.
Ngeh, a Perak DAP leader, added that he was not involved in quarrels or disputes with anyone, maintaining as much professionalism as possible throughout his years in politics.
“The only reason I suspect this attack could occur is due to the media statement I issued on Dec 28 last year,” he said.
Ngeh had courted controversy in the statement by suggesting that non-Muslim constitutional experts be appointed to the committee reviewing the jurisdiction of shariah courts according to the Federal Constitution.
His proposal was criticised by various quarters, with PAS and Bersatu leaders accusing him of interfering in Islamic affairs. Umno leaders meanwhile said Ngeh’s proposal was “shallow” and “unfounded”.
Saying that his suggestion was twisted by some politicians to incite fear within the Malay-Muslim community, Ngeh added that he had decided to apologise and withdraw the proposal.
China Press earlier reported that Ngeh’s residence in Ayer Tawar, Perak, had caught fire in the wee hours of the morning.
Ngeh told the daily that he and his wife were woken by a passer-by who rang the doorbell and alerted them to the fire.
Perak police chief Yusri Hassan Basri said the police were tracking down those responsible for the fire that broke out at Ngeh’s home, adding that a bottle, suspected to be a Molotov cocktail, was discovered at the scene.
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