Malaysian leaders united in censuring massacre

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian leaders made clear that hate crime has no place in this world as they joined the global voice in strongly condemning the shooting massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said: “I stand together with Jacinda Arden (New Zealand Prime Minister) and her administration in condemning this heinous crime.

“There should be no place for hate crimes in this world and the international community must stand together in bringing an end to such crimes.”

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu was saddened that the crime was recorded and made viral on the Internet by the perpetrator.

He urged the people in Christchurch to be strong and hoped that the world will join hands in condemning the despicable crime.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng also condemned the attack, adding it was not only a crime against the Muslim community there, but also against all of humanity.

“No religion condones violence against innocent people, and what has happened runs contrary to all religious teachings,” he said.

Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said heinous acts of violence against the innocent must be condemned in the strongest term.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and loved ones of those who have been killed and injured in this tragedy,” he said.

Human Resource Minister M. Kulasegaran said the tragedy was “totally unwarranted.”

PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said acts of terrorism like this can never be justified, and go against the principles that New Zealanders and all right-thinking individuals believe in.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong called the terror attacks on the two mosques in New Zealand as an “uncultured and hateful act of cruelty”.

“We are sympathetic to what has occurred in New Zealand and once again strongly condemn the inhuman acts committed,” he said.

Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, the MCA deputy president, said no reasons could justify attacks on innocent people.

“It is also crucial for us and others who live in a multiracial and multicultural society to always work hard to keep the inter-racial and inter-religious peace.

“No one should make use of this massacre to spread hatred,” he said.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang described it as a heinous act and cannot be accepted by the world.

“PAS stresses that the tolerance among the religions is vital for peace,” he said.