Only prompt police action can prevent physical violence, says Zaid

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said the police must act promptly to nip violent tendencies in the bud.

PETALING JAYA: The police must act promptly to nip violent tendencies in the bud, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said, or they may lead to physical action such as the firebomb attacks on KK Mart convenience stores.

In a post on X this morning, Zaid said the police have been alert to take action on the 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues, but when Umno leaders pressed hard on the KK Mart socks issue, “the inflammatory attacks continued for many days (and) the police did not react, at least not publicly”.

“The moral of the stocking episode is that the police must act promptly to nip the violent tendencies, as evident from the speeches. Please do not wait till it festers, till the bomb drops.

“The police need to be aware that inflammatory and violent speeches can come from all quarters, including those in the government. It’s a mistake and unprofessional if they only focus on (PAS president) Hadi Awang & Co,” he said.

Zaid said the police should not wait until police reports were lodged.

“The police can and should act when the country is in danger. Anyway, how many would dare to lodge reports against Umno, especially when racial attacks are disguised as a defence against religion?” he said.

He said that after yesterday’s firebomb attack on a KK Mart outlet in Kuantan, Pahang – the second such incident – top leaders in the country issued stern warnings to stop such attacks.

“All peace-loving people of the country much appreciate their warnings. It would, hopefully, make those inclined to violence to take heed. The bomb-throwing is not surprising, for when we sow violence, we will get one (violent acts).

“Physical violence, like bomb-throwing, is the manifestation of the aftermath or product of verbal violence. Such actions are always a follow-up to provocative and inflammatory threats. Leaders of groups who want to unleash violence, including racial riots, for example, would incite the people first.

“If you listen to speeches of dictators like Hitler and Stalin, you could expect their follow-up actions to involve violence. And without fail, that would be the case,” he said.

Zaid said the country’s leaders must always be on the side of caution and prudence.

“Nip the violent tendencies in the bud. It might be too late if violent speeches, even by Umno, are tolerated and allowed to fester. Incitement on racial or religious lines can trigger prompt reactions that are sometimes hard to control,” he said. - FMT