Be responsible and don't touch on 3R issues, says dep minister

JOHOR BY-ELECTIONS | All political party supporters and leaders that touch on issues surrounding race, religion and royalty throughout the campaign trail should be held responsible for their statements, said Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

Shamsul (above) said they must also be prepared to face possible action by authorities.

"Whoever flouts existing laws must be responsible and face any action under the country's laws.

"And if action was to be taken (against them), they can't blame anyone else," said Shamsul Anuar who earlier attended a high tea with police veterans at the Muar Umno office today.

He said this in response to PN leaders whose speeches throughout the campaign trail often touched on issues of race, religion and royalty.

The Umno supreme council member said a responsible and mature leader should refrain from such sensitive issues.

"In the interest of harmony and prosperity, practise politics in a mature way. Show to the people we are wise.

"Because we want to preserve the country's stability. This is important as otherwise, the people will see that we allow matters against the law to be done," he said.

"Face the people with arguments on good policies, so the people can judge us. They are wise enough," Shamsul added.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad

On Aug 29, Johor police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat reminded all political party leaders and supporters to refrain from touching on sensitive issues related to race, religion and royalty throughout the campaign period for Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.

However, there were those who did not heed his reminder, including former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad who openly challenged the authorities despite being questioned by the police nine times over his remarks.

Last night in Simpang Jeram, Mahathir claimed any restrictions on speaking about issues of race, religion and royalty were unlawful because it was not brought to cabinet, passed by the Dewan Rakyat and signed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Sharing the same stage, Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin questioned the move to stop discussions on the three topics.

"Since when can't we talk about race, religion and royalty? Can't we the Malays talk about our own race?

"It’s not like we want to stoke racial tension. Our religion is Islam," said Muhyiddin.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang is also currently under probe for his speech in Johor on Aug 26, saying the pardon process in Malaysia goes against Islamic teachings and that only the family of the victim has the right to offer pardon, instead of the Pardons Board. - Mkini