PETALING JAYA: Several ministers have called on Malaysians not to act emotionally over issues involving sensitivities, and for all to stand together and reject the agenda of extremists.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang urged the people to be sensible in dealing with such issues, stressing that differences of opinion should be handled through the proper channels and in accordance with the law.
“Any form of violence, religious provocation, hatred or extreme actions that touch on racial and religious sensitivities, are totally unacceptable in a multiracial and multireligious country like Malaysia,” he said yesterday.
He also stressed that nation’s harmony cannot, and should never, be compromised by the actions of a few irresponsible parties.
“Malaysia is built on the foundation of unity, mutual respect and understanding between religions and cultures.
“These values must continue to be upheld by every level of society,” he said, Bernama reported.
He urged Malaysians not to act emotionally or spread speculations related to sensitive issues, particularly on social media.
Aaron was commenting on several recent incidents linked to violence and racial sentiments.
Among them is the torching of three vehicles belonging to community activist Cikgu Chandra or S. Chandrasegaran, trampling on or damaging sacred symbols and an attack on independent preacher Zamri Vinoth.
Aaron said firm action must be taken against those threatening national harmony.
“Action against extremist groups who attempt to threaten national peace must be carried out without compromise.”
His ministry will continue to work closely with security agencies, community leaders and inter-religious organisations to ensure that the harmony, peace and stability of the country is safeguarded, he said.
Separately, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said incidents supposedly inciting racial tensions would be raised at the Cabinet meeting today.
He also called on the public to allow the police to conduct detailed investigations and to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Steven Sim has called for an end to all forms of religious and racial violence and provocation, and for the police to act against the perpetrators.
“They must face the harshest legal action, whether it involves desecration of the Quran, Hindu symbols, provoking temple demolitions, committing vandalism, or burning vehicles,” he said in a Facebook post.
Sim said Malaysians need to stand together and reject the agendas of provocateurs and extremists.
“Our enemies are not each other. In a world full of turmoil, Malaysians must unite to strengthen businesses and develop the economy for the well-being of all, irrespective of race and religion.”
