National Unity Ministry rejects claims it failed to address racial issues

 

The National Unity Ministry has denied allegations that it failed to address racial and religious issues, including controversies surrounding the construction of houses of worship and a recent incident involving the desecration of the Quran.

Deputy National Unity Minister R Yuneswaran said the ministry’s role is to help maintain harmony and provide input through the Harmony Committee, which comprises 12 members from various ministries, including the Home Ministry, the National Security Council and the police.

He said at the ministry level, it only has powers under the Rukun Tetangga Act 2012 (Act 751) and does not have legal authority to prosecute individuals involved in such incidents.

“Our focus is to manage issues through meetings and discussions, ensuring appropriate input is considered.

“Therefore, I disagree with such claims as I am involved in various meetings to address these matters,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address for the ministry in the Dewan Negara today.

Yuneswaran was responding to Senator Mustafa Musa, who voiced concern that weak enforcement by the ministry had allowed racial and religious issues to be easily ridiculed, while stressing the need for education and awareness to prevent the public from being influenced by those who exploit such matters.

Apart from coordinating the Harmony Committee, he said the ministry also works through the National Council for Local Government, which discusses local government policies, urban planning issues, the administration of local authorities and licensing matters.

He said that the ministry also collaborates with the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry and other authorities to monitor social media accounts that could potentially incite tensions.

“In addition, a Societal Stress Index study will be conducted soon to assess social issues and enable proactive measures,” he said.

Yuneswaran also expressed hope that leaders, including politicians and religious figures, would help clarify such issues to the public while emphasising that the country is governed by the rule of law.

“If they commit wrongdoing, we cannot compromise. We must not protect those who threaten harmony and undermine unity,” he said.

- Bernama