‘Avoid igniting controversial issues involving religion, race'

SHAH ALAM - Political leaders and supporters need to refrain from issuing statements that fuel any arising issue involving religion or race simply for cheap political gain.

Ilham Centre Chief Researcher Associate Professor Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim said it was necessary to ensure that the incident at the residence of Beruas Member of Parliament Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, where a Molotov cocktail was thrown, believed to be due to making sensitive statements, does not happen again.

"Issues related to ethnic and religious sentiments that started to heat up after the 14th General Election (GE14) are getting hotter now.

"Whatever issues that happen in the country are often manipulated to ignite the sentiments of these 2Rs (race and religion)," he said.

He said that sentiment included Ngeh’s actions which suggested that non-Muslim representatives be involved in a special committee to study Islamic legislation.

"Most recently, his vehicle and the porch of his house were set on fire by petrol bombs, suspected to be due to his suggestions.

"In a situation like this, all parties need to take a role to maintain harmony in the country.

"Malaysia is made my multicultural society, cross-racial and religious harmony is the main key to the country's stability," he told Sinar on Thursday.

He said this when asked for his views on the best solution that should be taken by all parties to ease the current new episode of national politics.

Meanwhile, Yusri said that actions such as 'pouring oil on flames’ could not only cause disputes but were also feared to invite greater division.

"If our beloved Malaysia burns, we will all lose," he said.