Muhyiddin: Muslims not sidelined, stern action against those who insult any religion

PUTRAJAYA: The government will not hesitate to take stern action against anyone who insults any religion, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic).

The Home Minister said there are parties organising an event in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (May 4) which may fuel racial and religious sentiments, especially among the Muslims.

"The police will not hesitate to take stern action using the provisions of the law against anyone who insults any religion," he added.

Dubbed "Gathering 405", the rally in the city centre is organised by Gerakan Pembela Ummah and NGOs to supposedly "defend the sovereignty of Islam".

The organisers have claimed that the gathering is being held to protest against the Pakatan Harapan government for allegedly sidelining the Malays and Muslims on issues pertaining to the Rome Statute, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), and the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim in the Seafield temple riots in Subang Jaya among others.

Speaking to the media in conjunction with the first anniversary of Pakatan Harapan as the federal government on Thursday (May 2), Muhyiddin dismissed as untrue that the coalition has sidelined the Malays and Muslims.

"Fifty-three cases of insults to Islam and Prophet Muhammad have been investigated; eight of these have been brought to the courts.

"There are those who claim that the status of Islam under Pakatan is being challenged. As a (leader in a) multiracial and multi-religious country, I would like to advise Malaysians to preserve the harmony between races.

"Do not be easily influenced by those who take the opportunity to gain political mileage and fuel racial and religious sentiments," he said.

He also implored the people to accept the fact that Malaysians come from diverse backgrounds.

"We know that there has been extreme history (of racial provocations), which is then exploited by those irresponsible.

"But what is important is that we need awareness from all members of society that we have passed that stage. Islam is enshrined in our Constitution.

"No one should abuse it for political interests or to create tension, for the country will lose and the people will suffer," he added.- Star