GEORGE TOWN: Two weeks after leaving the National Defense University of Malaysia (UPNM), DAP vice-chairman Sen Dr Ariffin S.M. Omar has been alleged of wanting to set up a church and spreading Christianity in the university.
He said the allegations implicating him and his former colleagues were allegedly made by a 'high ranking individual' during an unscheduled meeting at the end of October or early November, last year.
"I received a memorandum through email and by post, a week ago by a whistleblower known as 'M. Gerek' who had jotted down these issues discussed by this high ranking individual with a group of university staff.
"In that meeting, which had no recorded minutes or records, the memo writer reported that the individual said I was spreading Christianity with several other university officers with an ultimate aim of setting up a church together.
"Apart from that, the high ranking individual also told the meeting that UPNM was being infiltrated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and that they were funding research activities of some staff members.
"The memorandum also pointed out there was a move to eliminate military lecturers who labelled among others as 'babi' (pig) and 'bodoh' (stupid)," he said.
He said some of former UPNM colleagues confronted the individual, who denied the meeting but "unfortunately for this person", several staff members confirmed attending the event.
Speaking at a press conference, former UPNM strategic studies lecturer Ariffin, 63, denied all the allegations and 'categorically' stated that as a Muslim, he has 'never been involved in spreading Christianity anywhere let alone UPNM'.
"I have not left my religion and am not involved in spreading Christianity. I resigned from UPNM on Jan 20 in accordance to the institution's rules and regulations where staff cannot hold political positions.
"I note these allegations are malicious aimed at tarnishing my image. I call upon the police and UPNM to initiate a thorough investigation to clear my name as well as the name of innocent staff members by the vicious slander," he said.
He added that a police report would be lodged against the individual in the next few days.
Having joined UPNM in 2010, Ariffin said his former colleagues would be lodging police reports and look into legal suits against the university officer.
Ariffin, who joined DAP in 2011, was made Senator by the party last May, replacing former DAP vice chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim, who resigned from the party.
UPNM was established in 2006 with the aim of producing qualified and well-rounded military officers, he said, adding that the integrity of the university could be jeopardised if the individual was allowed to carry on spreading malicious 'lies'.
Also present was Penang PAS elections director Rosidi Hussain who said such allegations caused more damage to a person's integrity than murder and thus, it was important that the police investigated the case.
"If this is not cleared by the police, the issue would dominate election campaign speeches. This is what damages an individual," he added.
