Musa Hassan: Stern action must be taken against those stoking racial, religious tension

KUALA LUMPUR: The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and relevant authorities must take stern action against those who try to provoke racial and religious tension as well as insult the royal institution, says Tan Sri Musa Hassan (pic).

The former IGP said all parties must follow current laws and not be easily provoked when such incidents occur, especially on social media.

"I hope the authorities will look into all the matters raised that are deemed racist, insulting the Malays, Islam and the royal institution.

"The IGP must take stern action to maintain national security," he said in his speech at the National Ummah Unity Convention here Sunday (Aug 25).

Musa said if such matters were not controlled, it would lead to chaos among the races.

He reminded the Muslim community to remain calm and not take drastic measures in such situations.

"We must always follow the law and show that we only want justice like they want justice.

"We must also always tell the truth," he added.

He noted that the authorities should not allow any parties to insult the armed forces and the police force.

"It is the biggest insult as they are the ones responsible for protecting and ensuring the country remains peaceful.

"When they insult the armed forces, indirectly they insult the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as the King is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and must always be respected," said Musa.

On Aug 12, businessman Koon Yew Yin wrote on his blog that the Armed Forces personnel were "doing nothing except eating and sleeping and that some of them should replace the foreign workers in the Felda plantations".

His remarks irked various quarters, including leaders from both the government and opposition, and non-governmental organisations which described the statement as disrespectful.

Following backlash from all quarters, Koon issued a public apology on his blog to the armed forces over his statement.