No country should take safety for granted, says Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: The terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, which left at least 50 people dead, was a despicable and heinous crime that must be condemned, said Malaysia Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the act, committed in a place of worship, was unthinkable and unacceptable to peace-loving people.

“The perpetrators are ruthless, barbaric and have no respect for human lives.

“They must be brought to justice as soon as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, and our heartfelt condolences to their families,” he said yesterday.

Lee said the attack, which was broadcast live on social media, in New Zealand, one of the safest countries in the world, showed that no country should take its safety and wellbeing for granted.

“Terrorism knows no boundaries and we must come together to address this menace. Every citizen must remain vigilant and the authorities must be alerted to any suspicious situation.”

Lee said the government must strengthen its monitoring of social media and the Internet to identify perpetrators abusing these platforms to promote violence and extremism.

“More engagement programmes with society should be carried out as this will win the hearts and minds of those who are drawn to acts of violence and extremism. There should not be religious extremism and bigotry.

“Malaysians, regardless of race, religion and political affiliation, must ensure racial and religious harmony, and reject extremism.”

He said the government should cooperate with other countries to monitor and deal with extremism in this region, especially the exploitation of social media by terrorist groups.

Lee called on the public to adhere to the notice issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to remind social media users not to share the video recording of the mass shooting to prevent panic and anger among the people.