Fahmi: We must take stronger measures against violence, extremism

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil wants stronger action to be taken against several incidents of violence and extremism, a situation he described as becoming increasingly concerning.

He said all parties, including the Communications and Digital Ministry as well as cross-ministerial, need to double their efforts to alleviate the situation to ensure that the public has a good understanding of the law without resorting to irrational actions.

“Several recent incidents seem to require us to examine whether deep intervention is necessary,” he said, expressing concern over incidents such as the one recently where a 13-year-old boy attacked an e-hailing driver with a knife.

Fahmi, who is also the chairperson of the National Day and Malaysia Day Main Committee 2023, said this while officiating at the closing of the National Day and Malaysia Day Celebration 2023 themed ‘Malaysia Madani: Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope’.

Also present were his deputy Teo Nie Ching, ministry secretary-general Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama editor-in-chief Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, parade participants and members of the ministry’s fraternity.

Fahmi said the importance of unity as the foundation to realising the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, and the idealism brought through the 2023 National Day and Malaysia Day celebration theme, is key in building a national identity longed for since independence.

Support unity agenda

"The national unity agenda needs to be supported and embraced by all parties because the unity government wants values of mutual respect and a focus on justice to be enshrined in efforts to develop Malaysia Madani," he said.

Fahmi also said Malaysia has its National Unity Policy, which aims, among others, to ensure that inter-community relationships and cultures are practised by the people, in turn developing good understanding among communities.

Fahmi urged all parties to continue to nurture unity and harmony in Malaysia, as outlined in the Rukun Negara, which is key to racial harmony and unity to ensure the success and stability of the country.

“Through Rukun Negara, Malaysia upholds aspirations of achieving closer unity among all its people, maintaining a democratic way of life by creating a just society so that the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed fairly and equitably,” he added.

On the success of the event, Fahmi said he was very pleased that the celebration was attended by over 100,000 visitors - with some of them coming from outside Kuala Lumpur.

He added that the people were willing to wait since the eve of Aug 31 because they did not want to miss out on the National Day event in Putrajaya.

Fahmi added that foreign tourists who witnessed the lively celebration also praised the spirit of unity and harmony displayed by Malaysians.

"This shows that ethnic, religious and cultural differences are not an obstacle for us to remain united for the sake of our beloved country.

“The display featured during the National Day celebration also proves that the people, especially our young generation, indeed know and understand the importance of us celebrating National Day as an independent country," he said.

Fahmi said the success of the celebration was also felt when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah set protocol aside to mingle with the crowd at the end of the programme.

- Bernama