Malaysia should address extremist views on the home front while calling on other nations to oppose militant groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis), non-governmental organisation Centre for a Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) said today.
Responding to Datuk Seri Najib Razak's call at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly recently, Cenbet said the prime minister "should take a leaf from his own speech" where he appealed to nations to reject Isis and to unite in fighting the group.
"While such foreign policy is admirable, it would be hypocritical if the government does not abide by such principles on the domestic front. In his speech, Najib had said there should be no doubt on the country's seriousness in battling militant extremists.
"Cenbet, which promotes moderation, is hopeful that the government does not say something in an international forum, but does another domestically. It would make a mockery of the prime minister's address to the United Nations if this happens."
Gan said the extremists who set off bombs and carried out suicide missions should be equally condemned as those who instated hatred and fear.
"Of late, we have seen various right-wing groups and individuals trying to assert their hardline stance, to the detriment of national cohesion."
He said these episodes ranged from the Low Yat racial brawl, which started from a handphone theft, the 'red shirt' rally on September 16 to defend Malay dignity, and racial remarks by 'red shirt' rally leader Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, who was reported calling Chinese "pigs" and Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who said his "racism was based on Islam".
Gan said they clearly promoted ill-will and failure to act would only embolden other extremists.
- TMI
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