Stop evoking racial, religious sentiments to woo youths , JKOM says

SHAH ALAM - Malaysians especially the youth must reject using racial and religious sentiments to fight with any issues.

Community Communications Department (JKOM) director general Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff said such sentiments were used to woo the minds of the young.

He said all parties should promote unity and compassion and join hands to develop Malaysia Madani that is tolerant, just and united.

"Insya-Allah with this method we can live in harmony and respectfully. The country can also take a step forward and return to the world stage.

"As a student in politics, I reject racial politics and dream of Malaysia that is united. I am tired of the political narrative geared towards hate among us," he said in a statement today.

He said this when commenting on an NGO called Pembela or the Islamic Defenders Organisation's article titled 'The Apostate's Dam Will Break'.

The article among other things stated Islam's position was under threat following several cases involving Islam filed in court.

The article stated such cases will witness all of those who converted into Islam were challenged in court and will be apostatised on a larger scale.

Agus said the article was irresponsible and confusing.

"The statistics weren't stated. How many court cases? What has the government or non-Malays done to threaten Islam.

"The title of the article was a scare tactic used to evoke racial emotions for Malays to reject the current government that is claimed not to defend the rights of Malays and Muslims," he said.

Agus said there were several parties using racial issues to scare the ethnic Malay majority by claiming their race and religion is under danger.

"Such sentiments could create tension. Our country has gone through such tragedies due to racial tension such as the May 13, 1969, Memali 1985 and Lalang Operation 1986.

"Do we want a repeat of these dark political tragedies in the country? Surely not?" he questioned.