KUALA LUMPUR: Stop using issues of race, religion and royalty (3R) as a reason for selective persecution and silencing dissent, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has told the government.
While debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review (12MP MTR), Muhyiddin (PN-Pagoh) said in order to build a civilised nation, it is important for leaders to be just, fulfil their promises, hold on to the principle of integrity, are able to handle economic matters and care for the people’s wellbeing.
He said leaders should not solely refer to numbers but also their credibility in ensuring economic growth, safeguarding the people’s welfare and their freedom as enshrined by the law.
“Based on this principle, I urge the government to stop investigating and selectively persecuting on the grounds of 3R to silently dissent the people,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Sept 13).
“I have been investigated by the police several times and have faced criminal charges solely because I have voiced the concerns of Malays and Muslims.
“But leaders from the opposing side who had made malicious statements which have clearly fueled racial sentiments were untouched despite several or even hundreds of police reports being lodged against them,” he said.
He also questioned when a Malay leader could not speak about the interests of Malays and Islam in this country.
“A Malay leader like me was considered a criminal just because I spoke up for the interest of Malays and Islam?” he questioned.
He said while Malaysia has long been free from the clutches of British colonialism, the policies of the Madani government are worse than the policies of colonials.
“I pray that our country Malaysia always remains peaceful, and its multi-racial and multi-religious people living together peacefully and harmoniously,” he said.
The former prime minister will face another round of questioning on Thursday (Sept 14) over a speech he made during the Johor by-elections that contained elements of 3R.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said investigators are expected to see Muhyiddin again on Sept 14 over an alleged statement he made during a ceramah in Simpang Jeram, Johor.
