PM Anwar Reminds People Not To Fan Racial Sentiments

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to exploit opportunities to incite racial sentiments and sow seeds of hatred.

The Prime Minister's senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said Anwar is aware of malicious attempts by certain interest groups to create the perception of "double standards" in enforcement actions.

He said claims and perceptions that the government remains silent when Islam is insulted are pure slander.

"These are wild allegations with no basis at all. Anyone who insults any religion in Malaysia will be investigated and prosecuted," he said during the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Daily Briefing, broadcast live on Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page and PMO Malaysia's Facebook page today.

Tunku Nashrul cited examples such as comedian Harith Iskander and Cecelia Yap Song, who were each fined RM10,000 for uploading offensive content and comments that insulted Islam.

Additionally, he said a company and a supplier were fined RM60,000 each for mocking the word "Allah" through the sale of socks, a grilled corn vendor was fined RM400 for putting up a notice with a racial slur, and a man was fined RM12,000 and jailed for six months for mocking the word "Allah".

"In all the cases I listed, it is clear that investigations, prosecutions and sentencing were carried out according to existing legal provisions. Every reported case follows the proper legal processes of the country," he said.

"This is a firm message to all Malaysians to stop the culture of insulting any religion, culture or race in any space within Malaysia.

"Do not allow trivial matters to undermine our strength and uniqueness at a time when the country is growing and on a promising trajectory," he added.

-- BERNAMA