Religious tension: DAP MP calls for interfaith dialogue, youth programmes

 

A DAP lawmaker today urged Putrajaya to roll out intervention programmes and interfaith dialogue to address the recent rise in religious tensions.

This followed the latest incident where a university student allegedly posted on social media a picture of the Quran being stepped on.

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, in a statement, condemned the student for his action and stressed the importance of protecting the country’s multiracial harmony.

"Any act that could incite racial and religious tension must be avoided, and any form of religious insult or provocation, regardless of the religion involved, should be dealt with firmly by the authorities.

"I also urge the government, particularly the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the National Unity Ministry, to jointly organise programmes and expand activities among youths of different races and religions.

"I further call for a meeting to be held among religious representatives to help defuse the tensions that have arisen recently," he said.

Syahredzan stressed that mutual respect and spirit of togetherness need to be inculcated in young Malaysians so that such incidents would not repeat.

Cops arrest student

Yesterday, police arrested a university student in Pahang to facilitate an investigation into his social media posting, which had enraged Muslims in the country.

The individual was also accused of uploading pictures and comments insulting Prophet Muhammad.

According to the police, the student is being investigated under the Penal Code for insulting another religion and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

Besides the incident, the country also saw rising tension between Muslims and Hindus over issues that concern the alleged encroachment of temples on private and public land.

It saw a group of Muslim activists arrested by police two weeks ago after they began demolishing a Hindu temple in Rawang, Selangor, on land owned by an Islamic NGO. - Mkini