In a climate where extremism is high and tolerance thin, we certainly cannot afford emotionally charged provocative statements, writes JD Lovrenciear.
The inspector general of police has warned that spreading false allegations to stir ethnic or religious frenzy should be stopped.
Despite the wisdom of his nationwide warning, we seem to have policians ignoring the advice.
The Puteri Umno vice-chief was reported to have claimed in a ceramah on 25 September that the man whom police shot (in Penang) had gone amok after two people allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad.
Making such public claims and especially before political party supporters is dangerous for the country.
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Many concerned citizens will agree that politicians have a duty to heed national security warnings.
If politicians can publicly fire up the sentiments of their supporters with serious ethnic and religious animosity, what is there to stop fanatics from wreaking havoc on social media, eventually leading to public disorder?
The same politician reportedly added, “Yesterday a martyr was laid to rest,” referring to the suspect who was shot.
If the report is true, these are strong, emotively charged words. In a climate where extremism is high and tolerance is thin, we certainly cannot afford such public statements.
Hopefully, the government will put a stop to politicians sowing dangerous seeds of division and religious rage.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
