GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia is a country built on diversity and no party needs to champion religious or racial sentiments as if they are heroes, says Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim.
“Such provocation does not solve problems. It only fans the flames of anger and resentment that can damage the nation,” he said in his Facebook post on Tuesday (March 3).
Sim said his involvement in politics has always been to defend the rights of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
“I look after Muslims, and I look after non-Muslims. I will not allow any Malaysian to be threatened or bullied,” he said.
Sim, who is also Penang DAP chairman, was responding to a Facebook post circulating about a planned “Ops Terjah” demonstration at a Hindu temple in front of Hospital Bukit Mertajam on March 7.
He called for the proposed gathering to be cancelled immediately and urged all parties to refrain from creating unrest.
“Call off the assembly. Stop the provocation. Do not create chaos,” he said.
Sim also said he had requested the police to ensure that no provocative assembly takes place.
“I have asked the police to take the necessary steps to ensure there is no provocative gathering by any party,” he added.
State PKR Youth has also condemned the planned gathering, describing it as irresponsible and potentially inflammatory.
Its chief Muhammad Zakwan Mustafa Kamal said the action could spark racial and religious tension if allowed to proceed.
“We view this incident as a reckless act that appears to exploit religious sentiments for cheap political mileage. Penang is not a testing ground for politics of hatred,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 3).
Zakwan said that the state was built on unity, tolerance and the maturity of its people in managing diversity.
“In a country that upholds the rule of law, no individual, group or organisation has the right to act as an ‘unofficial enforcement authority’,” he said.
He warned that attempts to create public pressure, provoke tension or manipulate religious sentiments were irresponsible and could jeopardise harmony in the state.
Zakwan urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the planned demonstration, including identifying any elements of trespass, intimidation or attempts to disrupt public order.
“If there are violations of the law, firm action must be taken without compromise,” he said.
