Activist-lawyer Siti Kasim has vowed to continue speaking out against the use of religion in politics, despite discovering a bomb planted on her car. In an Instagram video, she defiantly responded to those who had prayed for her death, saying that she is not afraid of dying because it is inevitable for everyone. She also questioned the Islamic legitimacy of praying for someone’s death and stated that she would die happily if it was her fate for doing the right thing.
The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found under the rear of Siti Kasim’s car by her mechanic at a workshop in Bangsar where she had taken the vehicle for servicing. Undeterred by the incident, she declared that she would continue being a useful human being while she is alive, which she considers the most Islamic thing to do. Siti Kasim clarified that she has never spoken against Islam itself, but rather against those who exploit it for political purposes.
She voiced her disagreement with the severe penalties imposed by the Sharia law, such as imprisonment, heavy fines, and corporal punishment, for actions like not fasting, not conforming to the dress code, and not praying. Siti Kasim emphasized that these decisions, which affect her own religious practices, are made by politicians and imposed on her. Despite the threats against her, she affirmed that she would continue advocating for the oppressed and warned the perpetrators of the car bombing that the law would catch up with them.
Over 50 civil society groups expressed solidarity with Siti Kasim and condemned those responsible for planting the bomb. They also called on the police to provide her with security.
