DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo has urged the police to take immediate action against those accused of desecrating sacred Hindu symbols, following the cabinet’s discussion on the matter yesterday.
Gobind, who is also the digital minister, said that while the government’s stance on the matter is “clear”, enforcement agencies must follow through by restoring public confidence and ensuring that the peace is protected “from those who seek to tear it down”.
“The police are duty-bound to keep the peace and maintain public order. This is a fundamental responsibility that cannot be compromised.
“Of late, however, we have seen a lack of action against those spewing racial hatred, which has resulted in flare-ups that directly threaten the stability of our nation,” Gobind said in a statement today.
He also referenced a recent case involving the prosecution of an individual accused of stepping on the Quran, with the Damansara MP noting that similarly swift action should be taken against those who disrespect the sacred trident or soolam in Hinduism.
“Failure to act in cases like these leads to heightened racial tension. We must maintain racial harmony and unity, and the only way to do that is by upholding and enforcing the law without fear or favour.
“I call upon the inspector-general of police (IGP) to take immediate steps to identify and bring those responsible for the desecration of religious symbols to court. Malaysia can ill afford to slide into a state of lawlessness or racial unrest,” he added.
‘Rusty piece of metal’
In recent days, tensions have been heightened after self-proclaimed land activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak was accused of desecrating the trident at the Langkawi Shree Muniswarar Alayam temple.
Tamim claimed he thought that the object he was filmed stepping on was just a rusty piece of metal in an unoccupied land clearing, which he insisted was “not a place of worship”.
Indian community activist Umagandhan Krishnan, however, disputed Tamim’s version of events, asserting that there is even a large signboard declaring the area as the temple’s land.
The video of Tamim’s actions, which made the rounds on social media, drew backlash from various quarters, including DAP MP RSN Rayer, who urged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and IGP Khalid Ismail to explain the supposed lack of action against Tamim.
The Jelutong MP warned that any delay in arresting and charging Tamim could be seen as “double standards” as a previous case involving a university student stepping on the Quran was swiftly addressed by authorities.
Condemnation has also been rife since yesterday over another incident involving an individual who allegedly defaced and stepped on a Quran.
‘No compromise’
Referencing the incidents affecting the Hindu and Muslim communities, DAP’s Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said there should be no compromise against anyone who insults any religion.
Stressing that action must be taken to prevent tensions from escalating into physical conflict, she urged those behind such acts to “think properly, think twice” before insulting a religion, as they would definitely be hunted, arrested, and punished.
The party’s Bangi MP, Syahredzan Johan, also called for “the full force of the law” to be mobilised against such incidents, highlighting that such measures are vital to ensure that the issues of racial provocation and religious insult can be addressed comprehensively before escalating into larger conflicts.
Raising concerns on how insults to the Quran are no longer isolated cases, DAP central executive committee member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the latest occurrence proves that certain quarters are becoming increasingly emboldened to challenge religious sensitivities.
Yesterday, the MCMC said a social media post allegedly showing someone desecrating the Quran has been deleted, while the account associated with it cannot be traced.
The commission, however, assured that it is working with the police to ensure that stern action will be taken immediately. - Mkini
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