Liberal MP Gurbax Malhi speaks at a rally in support of terrorists

Gurbax Malhi, the Liberal MP for Bramalea-Gore-Malton, attended a rally today in support of the Tamil Tigers terrorist group. The violent insurrection led by the Tamil Tigers has claimed more the 60,000 lives in Sri Lanka; they were declared a criminal organization in Canada by the Conservative government shortly after their election in 2006. 

Maybe Malhi was sick that day in Parliament and missed the news.

Here's a brief video of this dangerous buffoon. Note the forest of flags adorned with tigers and bullets; listen to the screeching man who grabs the microphone right after Malhi, who ends his rant with the phrase "freedom fighters -- Tamil Tigers!"

And what does Malhi -- the pride of Michael Ignatieff's caucus -- have to say?

"You're here today for a great cause... I am helping you guys, I'm behind you because you're fighting for the right cause."

A great cause, eh?

Malhi was obviously "re-educated" by someone in his party later in the day, because the central party issued this hilarious statement about his terrorist-loving ways. Let me fisk it, with my own thoughts interspersed:

Today I attended a rally on Parliament Hill in support of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sri Lanka.

A peaceful resolution? Is that what the flags with all the bullets were about?

I attended this rally out of concern for the people of Sri Lanka, as well as the Canadians of Sri Lankan descent whose lives are affected by this terrible situation.

If you are so opposed to the violence, then why did you say that they were right to fight? 

To the best of my knowledge, the group organizing this rally has no history of association with terror or the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE). Although a number of attendees at this rally chose to wave LTTE flags, I did not realize the significance of these flags, nor was I aware that other speakers made statements in support of the LTTE.

To the best of your knowledge they weren't associated with terrorists? But you claimed you've been following this file for years. You were in Parliament when they were banned. Now you're feigning ignorance?

A "number" of attendees few terrorist flags? You were in the middle of a forest of them.

You didn't realize the signficance of those flags? They have a tiger on them. They have bullets on them. Even an illiterate could figure them out.

You weren't aware that "other speakers" supported the terrorists? How about the shrieking man who thanked you, and spoke immediately after you, who mentioned his love for the terrorists by name?

You. Liar.

I deeply regret that my attendance at this rally was misunderstood by some as a demonstration of my support (expressed or implied) of terror, or of a terrorist organization. There is no excuse for terrorism and attacks on civilians, and the world has to show its concern for the protection of the civilian population.

There was no misunderstanding. You supported the terrorists.

The Liberal Party position on the conflict in Sri Lanka has not changed, and I remain steadfastly committed to it.

The Liberal Party position has indeed changed. Until the Conservatives criminalized the Tamil Tigers, Liberals attended fundraising dinners for them in Canada, in the hopes of drumming up political support. Paul Martin himself attended such a fundraiser.

We are deeply concerned about the continuing violence in Sri Lanka. An immediate ceasefire is needed now more than ever.

Righhhht. We all heard you say you loved the fight.

We urge both the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to work together to find every possible way to save lives and to further avert a humanitarian disaster.

We also call on the international community to come together to work towards political reconciliation in Sri Lanka and to provide humanitarian assistance where it is needed. We have a responsibility to protect innocent civilians whose lives are at risk as a result of this military conflict.

Blah blah blah, more mushy boilerplate written by some Liberal intern.

Reader: did you notice that something’s missing?

Nowhere does Malhi renounce violence or the Tamil Tigers. He says he’s against violence against “civilians” – presumably he’s okay with the Tamil terrorists attacking the legitimate government of Sri Lanka and their army.

My favourite is Malhi's Warren Kinsella-like apology: it’s not to those who have had family members murdered by the Tamil Tigers. He’s not sorry for that. He’s sorry that some people out there – fools! – “misunderstood” his speech. It’s what the Chinese call an “ironic apology” – Malhi isn’t sorry for what he thinks about the rally; he's sorry for what you think about it.

Michael Ignatieff didn’t recruit Malhi to the party. Ignatieff inherited him. It’s not his fault that Malhi is a Liberal MP. And I’m sure that Malhi didn’t give Ignatieff's office the heads-up that he was going to hang out with some terrorist supporters, and give them some kind words. None of that is Ignatieff’s fault, though it does show the quality of the Liberal bench.

But what Ignatieff most certainly is responsible for is what happened after Malhi was caught red-handed.

Malhi wasn’t suspended from caucus. He wasn’t even disciplined. Fine – with such a small caucus, every vote counts.

But here’s the rub: Malhi wasn’t even ordered to renounce his support for the Tamil Tigers, he wasn’t ordered to express regret for attending the rally or for saying what he said.

He was allowed to make a non-apology, an ironic apology.

He was allowed to support a terrorist front.

That's not even a slap on the wrist. That's a kiss on the cheek.

This isn't about a backbench loser like Malhi anymore.

This is about the judgment of the Liberal leader, the man who would be prime minister.

It’s appalling.

But it’s not surprising. Ignatieff just promoted Denis Coderre to be his defence critic and minister in charge of Quebec. Why’s that newsworthy? Oh – nothing really. Coderre marched in a rally with Hezbollah terrorist flags flying proudly.

Coderre and Malhi are disgusting. But it’s Ignatieff who permits and rewards their grotesque behavior.