Do your rounds, don’t try too hard: Zaid to unity minister

 

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has offered a cynical piece of advice to National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang, which is to stick to routine like his fellow cabinet members.

“Just do your normal rounds and give the usual speeches we expect from our leaders.

“Don't worry about unity. If you try too hard, they will blame you for causing disunity,” he said on X.

This remark follows Aaron’s revelation that his ministry had filed a report with the MCMC against a social media user calling for a repeat of the May 13 racial clashes against Indians.

Expanding on his point, Zaid suggested that before taking action, Aaron should first ask the cabinet to define the parameters of hate speech.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang

“Hate speech usually targets people based on race or religion. It uses dehumanising language like ‘they are parasites.’

“It also involves incitement and calls for violence, like ‘they should be kicked out of the country,’” he explained.

The former Kota Bharu MP then posed seven critical questions:

• Will the government instruct MCMC and the police to act against preachers who use religion as a shield for hate speech?

• Will religious sermons be exempt from scrutiny, or will they be treated like any other public speech?

• Will religious officials be granted immunity if their speeches belittle other faiths?

• If a preacher declares that religions other than Islam are false, will that be considered hate speech?

• If a preacher says, “We have too many temples,” will authorities take action?

• Is it not hateful conduct when a school prevents non-fasting students from eating in front of those who are fasting?

• Was the raid on colourful Swatch watches not an example of hateful conduct?

Based on these examples, Zaid argued that Aaron faces an “impossible task” because, in Malaysia, leaders frequently use religious credentials to bolster their popularity - making it difficult to address religious issues impartially.

“To make matters worse, we can’t even talk about it. It’s too sensitive.

“The government will always uphold the official religion as having primacy in every aspect. Consequently, it becomes difficult to control factions that spread hardline ideas through hate speech.

“The government will be reluctant to act because it fears backlash,” he added.

Zaid further pointed out that under such circumstances, the MCMC is rendered ineffective.

“Even your cabinet will not dare to define hate speech because politics and religion are so deeply intertwined that they cannot be separated,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, Zaid advised Aaron not to burden the MCMC with an impossible task - acting against all who sow discord and division. - Mkini