Do not be ‘batu api’ over riot incidents, netizens told
KOTA KINABALU: Netizens have been advised to stop sharing videos on the violent episodes at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya in Kuala Lumpur.
“These are probably the act of some individuals to incite racial hatred and violence. Do not be a ‘batu api’ (flint). Getting yourself involved or sharing these videos would just make things worse,” said Parti Bersatu Sabah secretary general, Datuk Jahid Jahim.
Urging netizens to calm down, he hoped that tension created from the incident would be resolved fast.
“The incident had indeed shocked the nation and has become a topic in the social media, and with today’s technology, everything is at the fingertip.
“But we must mind our words when commenting on such issues, especially on public domain like Facebook and online news portal. We should not use provocative words that could create anger among our society,” he said.
He also urged the people to stop speculating and let the security forces do their job to bring those involved to justice.
“We have many friends from different races, and sometimes one can be emotional when an incident hurts someone close. But it is not time to be irrational and add salt to the wound. Be calm.
“We must bear in mind that although the incident is not at our doorstep, we do have family or friends who are either working or pursuing their studies in Selangor, and we should be concerned of their safety,” Jahid said.
He said several people were trying to instigate racial sentiments amongst Malaysians, just as the dust on the beer promoter incident in Ampang was just about to settle.
“This is not the New Malaysia that we want. We need to be more tolerant, so we can live in harmony. Together we must promote inter-racial understanding and preserve national unity,” Jahid concluded.