The Pakatan Rakyat coalition, which is already beset with problems, was dealt another blow today after a PKR politician took DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke to task.

PKR's Kulim MP Zulkifli Noordin lambasted Loke for 'attacking' Muslim scholar Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee.

NONE The DAP leader, who is also the MP for Rasah, had chided the scholar over his article in Utusan Malaysia concerning the 'illegitimate child' of deceased DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock.

Loke's statement had appeared in a blog called 'SJSandteam', which has since been removed.

While expressing sympathy over the tragedy that befell Teoh, Zulkifli however asked if it was DAP's policy to legitimise 'pre-marital sex' and 'children born out of wedlock'.

"Many in the Chinese community themselves disagree with the proposal (to legitimise such children), because it gives the impression that the Chinese condone premarital sex and pregnancies," he said in a statement.

'Don't get emotional'

Calling on DAP Youth not to be 'clouded and get carried away with emotions', the PKR leader said the issue of getting his fiancee pregnant is different from the circumstances surrounding his death.

"Mohd Ridhuan has the right to express his opinion. He is of Chinese descent, and is well aware of the community's traditions and culture.

"Is DAP Youth unable to accept differences of opinion? Must we always dance to the beat of DAP and whoever who does not agree with DAP is an enemy and must be condemned," he said.

Zulkfili also expressed regret that the blog had allowed readers to post disparaging remarks about Mohd Ridhuan.

"What is more rude is that they (the comments) also attacked Islam, the Malays and those who convert to Islam," he said.

In view of this, Zulkifli called on Loke as well as the webmaster of the blog to apologise to Mohd Ridhuan and all Muslims.

He also urged the police to investigate the webmaster under the Sedition Act, and "if there is a case, the attorney-general must take action."

Loke files police report

Meanwhile, Loke denied that he had insulted Islam.

dap morality protest at dbkl 130406 anthony loke sweetheart Admitting to penning a statement to counter the 'insensitive' remarks made by Mohd Ridhuan, the DAP leader said he did so because Teoh was not a Muslim and therefore it was wrong of the scholar to impose a 'moral judgment' on the deceased.

Furthermore, Loke said the 'disparaging comments' were not made by him but rather those who visited the blog.

"I am not responsible for those postings," he said, adding that there are some who spend all their time and effort to paint DAP as party which is against Islam.

"My friends and supporters of Pakatan, especially those from PAS in Negeri Sembilan know me and the way I think. I respect all religions and races," he said.

In a related development, Loke filed a report with the Dang Wangi district police headquarters to deny the 'unfounded allegations and lies' that he has insulted Islam and the Sultan of Perak.

According to him, these allegations are being spread by certain blogs and via SMS.