Muhyiddin: Don’t abuse religion

We’ll act against those fanning racial and religious sentiments, says minister

PUTRAJAYA: The government will not hesitate to take stern action against those who insult any religion, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Home Minister said there are parties organising an event in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow which have a tendency to further fuel the race and religion sentiments, especially among the Muslims.

“Police will not hesitate to take stern action using the provisions of the laws on anyone who insults any religion,” he said.

A rally in the city centre is being organised by Gerakan Pembela Ummah and NGOs to supposedly “defend the sovereignty of Islam”.

The organisers have claimed that the event, dubbed “Gathering 405”, will be held tomorrow to protest against the Pakatan Harapan government for allegedly sidelining the Malays and Muslims on issues pertaining to the Rome Statute, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Unified Examination Certificate, the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim in the Seafield temple riots in Subang Jaya and others.

Muhyiddin, speaking to the media in conjunction with the first anniversary of Pakatan as the federal government, rejected the notion that Pakatan has sidelined the Malays and Muslims.

“Fifty-three cases of insults to Islam and Prophet Muhammad have been investigated; eight of these have been brought to the courts.

“There are those who claim that the status of Islam under Pakatan is being challenged. As a (leader in a) multiracial and multi-religious country, I would like to advise Malaysians to preserve the harmony between races.

“Do not be easily influenced by those who take the opportunity to gain political interests and fuel racial and religious sentiments,” said Muhyiddin.

He also implored the people to accept the fact that Malaysians come from diverse backgrounds.

“We know that there has been extreme history (of racial provocations), which is then exploited by those irresponsible.

“But what is important is that we need awareness from all members of society that we have passed that stage. Islam is enshrined in our Constitution.

“No one should abuse it for political interests or to create tension, for the country will lose and the people will suffer,” he said.

On the issue of Malay Rulers being pitted against the government recently, Muhyiddin said that one or two incidents which saw a difference of opinion should not be misconstrued as Pakatan not having a good relationship with the royalty.

“We acknowledge the King as a constitutional monarch and his roles in society, and we understand the people’s respect towards the Malay Rulers in regard to those issues.

“We would like to create a good relationship (with the Rulers). The public still regards the Rulers highly and Pakatan, which has been chosen to administer the country, cannot differ in that context.

“The perception of one or two incidents with the Rulers has given the impression that we are not cooperating with and acknowledging the Rulers – this is not true. There were also such incidents (with the previous government),” said Muhyiddin.

Certain quarters had recently alleged that the Pakatan government’s ratification of the Rome Statute, which governs the International Criminal Court, would affect the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers, especially the King’s.

The uproar led to the government withdrawing from ratifying the international treaty early last month.