-The Star filepic
PETALING JAYA: Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy (pic) has urged the public not to touch on sensitive issues after a Facebook post on religion went viral.
She warned people against provoking religious sensitivities as this could shatter the nation’s harmony and cause needless tension, according to a report on Malaysiakini.
“I take issues that threaten our society's harmony and unity very seriously.
“We must understand, respect and accept each other’s beliefs as part of our efforts to maintain national unity,” she said in a statement on Friday (Aug 30).
Saraswathy’s comments came after Malaysia Hindu Sangam president T. Ganesan complained about a Facebook post promoting Islam.
The Facebook post, published on Monday (Aug 26), features a comic strip in which a woman teaches her child about the differences between Hinduism and Islam.
Ganesan had called the post offensive to Hindus and urged Saraswathy to address the issue.
Saraswathy urged Malaysians to celebrate the country’s diversity rather than making statements that could jeopardise national unity.
“The history of our country has proven that the peace and progress we enjoy today are the result of a spirit of unity, where various races and religions have come together for the sake of collective peace and progress.
“With unity and mutual respect, we can ensure that Malaysia remains a peaceful and harmonious place for everyone,” she added.
