PARLIAMENT | The National Unity Ministry has pledged full support for police action against religious extremists, including prosecution under the Sedition Act, its minister Aaron Ago Dagang said.
His statement followed questions in Parliament today over why controversial preachers remain uncharged despite allegedly stoking racial tensions.
Aaron (above) said the government takes any form of religious extremism that threatens social harmony and national security very seriously, and that firm and uncompromising action would be taken against any individual or group that misuses religion to spread hatred, incite division, or challenge public order.
“While the right to vocal debate is guaranteed, that right is not absolute and must not be misused to touch on issues of race, religion, or the royal institution.
“The National Unity Ministry fully supports police action in close cooperation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers to identify, investigate, and prosecute parties involved under existing laws, including the Sedition Act, Penal Code, and Communications and Multimedia Act.
“The government is also committed to ensuring that social media remains a safe, ethical, and responsible platform – no tolerance will be given to any form of extremism, whether in the physical or digital realm,” he said in his winding-up speech on the Royal Address debate in the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) questioned why the government had not taken any action against independent preachers Zamri Vinoth, Firdaus Wong, Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, and social media influencer known as Cikgu Chandra, whom he claimed had stirred controversy and racial tensions.
“Why has no action been taken so far against Zamri, Cikgu Chandra, Ridhuan, or individuals like Firdaus, who are planning an Anti-Illegal Places of Worship gathering on Feb 7 at Sogo Kuala Lumpur?” the DAP leader asked.
In his reply - apart from pledging stern action - Aaron said the government is also committed to ensuring that social media remains a safe, ethical, and responsible platform, and that no tolerance will be given to any form of extremism, whether in the physical or digital realm.
‘Up to ministry’
Rayer then continued to press Aaron for assurance that the gathering planned for this Saturday would be cancelled or would not receive any government approval, to ensure that no party could trigger racial tension.
However, Aaron said the decision to cancel the gathering lies with the Home Ministry.
“I have already answered that. It is up to the ministry or agency responsible for curbing such activities, namely the Home Ministry and the police,” he said.
Zamri, who is acting as coordinator of the Anti-Illegal Places of Worship movement, is reported to be leading a demonstration in front of the Sogo shopping complex to demand enforcement action against places of worship which are built without approval.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the preacher had submitted a notice to Dang Wangi police to inform them of the demonstration, which is said to involve around 141 NGOs.
Zamri also denied that the gathering is connected to the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia this weekend, describing the date as a “coincidence”. - Mkini
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