Macsa calls for Waytha Moorthy to resign over Adib's death

PETALING JAYA: A coalition of civil societies is calling for National Unity and Social Well-being Minister P. Waytha Moorthy to resign, following the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.

In a joint statement, the Malaysian Alliance of Civil Society Organisations in the Universal Periodic Review Process (Macsa) said Waytha Moorthy must be held responsible for creating tension during the riot at Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya.

"Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy played a part in flaming tensions by blaming the police over the fracas, instead of demanding the Seafield Temple Committee abide by the laws of our country. We find it disgusting, as well as scandalous, that the said minister has taken it upon himself to absolve himself of blame by partaking in the national mourning over the death of Adib," it said.

"We seek his immediate resignation as minister and his prosecution under the law for his part in inflaming racial and religious tensions," it added.

It also called for State exco for Socio-economic Empowerment, Development and Caring Government Committee V. Ganabatirau, who in a Facebook post called the attackers a “Muslim group”, to be held accountable.

The group urged the Attorney-General to immediately prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent.

"We also demand that the government immediately revoke its moratorium on the enforcement of the death penalty and abandon plans to scrap the same," it said, adding that this episode demonstrated the need for capital punishment. 

Muhammad Adib, 24, passed away at 9.41pm at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Monday (Dec 17).

His remains will be brought back to his hometown in Kampung Tebengau, Kedah, after final rites and prayers are conducted at IJN on Monday night. 

His burial is expected to take place after Zohor prayers on Tuesday (Dec 18).- Star