National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang says the video of the stage act also contains elements deemed insulting to the institution of the Malay rulers.
He called for police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation after a video of the performance went viral in recent days.
Aaron said appropriate action should be taken in the event of any violation of the law, with the investigation covering all relevant and applicable legal provisions, including the Penal Code, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Sedition Act 1948, Bernama reported.
He added that firm action must be taken to serve as a reminder that the freedom enjoyed by every citizen comes with a responsibility to respect the law, national institutions and social harmony.
“Rukun Negara is not merely a pledge recited at official functions. It is the national ideology and philosophy, and a guide in building a united nation.
“It was proclaimed on Aug 31, 1970, with the primary goal of forging strong unity among Malaysians,” he said in a statement shared on Facebook yesterday.
A video of the production that went viral on social media showed several actors telling one another to “go back” to China, India and Indonesia, with the punchline “This is Malaysia” repeated throughout the skit.
The actors then recited the Rukun Negara, with different characters adding mocking responses after each line.
One of the actors was clad only in red underwear, with red and white words painted on his body.
Aaron described the act as irresponsible, excessive and unacceptable.
He stressed that freedom of artistic expression and speech should not be used as an excuse to belittle national institutions, provoke or engage in actions that could potentially undermine social harmony.
“There is no room for any party to make light of matters concerning the institution of the Malay Rulers, national sovereignty and the foundations that shape life in our country,” he said.
Aaron then urged all parties, including artistes, content creators and social media users, to exercise the freedom they have responsibly.
In a separate post, religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan said the performance constituted a breach of proper conduct and a social wrongdoing that undermined the bonds of harmony in Malaysia’s multi-racial society.
He said the organisers should issue a public apology, while the authorities and relevant agencies must conduct a thorough investigation and take firm legal action without compromise against any party that insulted the foundations of the country.
“Artistic platforms should uplift the soul and unite the people, not divide them. Stop exploiting moral values for cheap popularity, and focus on building the nation based on truth, propriety, and strong moral and religious values,” he said. - FMT
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