PETALING JAYA: Security forces have been ordered to be on the alert for extremists who may try to fan the flames of racial and religious hatred in the country, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
At a press conference on Friday (March 17), Anwar said any attempt to pit one race against another will not be permitted.
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"I have ordered security forces to be on alert because certain people who are desperate or feel challenged will use these sentiments, and the poor will be exploited to cause disharmony.
"The Cabinet and I will ensure that peace and harmony among all races and religions are defended and we will not tolerate any actions that would disrupt the peace of the country," he said following a Cabinet meeting earlier.
The Prime Minister said the government would not compromise when acting against extreme acts or remarks, in order to safeguard the country's racial and religious harmony.
On a separate matter regarding the statement by Selangor executive council member Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni that Muslims in the state are not allowed to join activities in non-Muslim houses of worship, Anwar said the matter should be resolved through discourse without government intervention.
