KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah wants Malaysians to stop making insensitive comments about race and religion on social media.
Such comments, His Royal Highness added, would only lead to polarisation and mistrust among Malaysians.
The Ruler expressed his concern over the many hate posts, provocative comments and fake news on social media.
His Royal Highness advised netizens to “think deeply before you post something or want to say something”.
“There is a cost to your posts, especially on matters relating to race and religion. There are consequences, including harm and stirring unnecessary hatred.
“What is the point of calling fellow Malaysians Type C (Chinese) or Type M (Malays) or kafir and non-kafir (infidels and non-infidels), orang kita (our people) or jenis dia (their kind)? Stop such nonsense, please,’’ His Royal Highness said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
The interview was conducted by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who is a National Journalism Laureate.
“My message to the people of Selangor is to please care about Malaysia and the state of Selangor. Please work together regardless of our race and religion.
“Focus on the commonalities of all races. Don’t harp on the differences. There are things that we cannot change as human beings. So, it is better to emphasise the common good, values and principles in life and religion.”
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed concern that “it will get worse in the run-up to the next general election” – which may be held within the next two years.
“With AI (artificial intelligence), I can only sense more damaging content being created to stir up political negativity.
“AI is good, but we still need to have laws to prevent its abuse, such as deepfakes, which are often used by scammers.
“We also need to stop other forms of damaging content by applying strict laws which must be enforced.”
Sultan Sharafuddin said hate speech and malicious content tied to race and religion not only jeopardise social harmony, but are also legally actionable under existing laws.
“Many of these comments and posts are provocative, disrespectful and harmful.
“In Malaysia’s context, where sensitivities around ethnicity, faith and national identity are high, we must understand that such online behaviour cannot be tolerated.”
