FOR quite some time now the country has been witnessing a lot of racial and religious tension and hate being spewed on social media. The situation needs to be controlled before it spirals out to be reminiscent of the days leading up to the infamous 1987 Operasi Lalang.
Most Malaysians have not forgotten the Operasi Lalang episode which was forced on the government and police to prevent and pre-empt a May 13-like situation from happening.
For the past few months the hate speeches, vulgar language and racial slurs on social media by individuals and commentators are getting out of control, and the Madani government appears to be taking these matters lightly instead of issuing stern warnings or take other preventive measures to counter the deteriorating situation.
In our diverse multi-racial and multi-religious country the government of the day has to be careful when things go overboard.
Just last week about 200 protesters representing numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) gathered at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Putrajaya and called on the government to put a halt to rising racial tensions, hate crimes, insults and incendiary racist and religious statements.
The situation had possibly worsened after the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple issue with various groups hurling negative comments on one another since then.
Following this incident there has been incessant cases of racial and religious abuse and if the situation is left unchecked it could lead to regrettable incidents that culminated in the May 13 riots and violence.
The government should also take note of the 1978 Kerling Murugan Temple incident that was the result of vandalising a temple.
Although our country values peace and harmony there are politicians and leaders, preachers and activists who are able to incite various groups of people for their own ends.
The people need to understand that harmony and goodwill in our diverse nation stand on delicate grounds. It is also regrettable that the nation’s unique government-sponsored festive Hari Raya Open House has been cancelled when the event could be used to bring together the people in goodwill and harmony.
The Madani government’s slow reaction needs to be blamed for the deteriorating situation. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has to be firm with troublemakers and not let the government’s more openness destroy the freedom of expression in the country.
Social media has worsened and complicated the atmosphere as many uninformed, opinionated and irresponsible people have added fuel to the fire.
In my opinion, the situation presently in the country is remniscent of the atmosphere prevailing before the weeks and months leading to the launch of Operasi Lalang.
Recall that back then the government had to resort to the regrettable Operasi Lalang due to the delay in taking firm action against people, media and groups abusing their rights to freedom of expression.
Both innocent and guilty citizens were ensnared and detained in the process. This episode left a black mark on the country and its democratic process. This situation should not be allowed to recur. History must not be repeated.
The PMO, the Communications Ministry, the National Unity Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) need to be alert to the alarming situation the country is unconsciously sliding into.
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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