DAP YOUTH has strongly condemned the act of violence and intention to create serious harm where a petrol bomb was thrown at a KK Mart outlet in Perak yesterday.
Its chief, Dr Kelvin Yii, who is also the MP for Bandar Kuching called upon the authorities to fully investigate the matter and allow the full force of law to come upon those responsible for such acts of violence.
"While we respect the seriousness and sensitivity of the controversy, nothing justifies such an act of violence regardless of differences of opinion.
"This should not have happened in a supposedly peaceful and moderate Malaysia where we all of different races and religions have learnt to live in harmony for decades," he said.
It was reported yesterday that a petrol bomb was thrown at a KK Mart outlet in Taiping, Perak at about 5am.
Fortunately, the bomb which landed in front of the outlet did not explode.
Police have since launched an investigation and according to Perak police chief Yusri Hassan Basri they were tracking down the suspect involved.
Police are probing the case under Section 427 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of not less than a year and not more than five years or a fine or both upon conviction.
Dr Yii said the situation is indirectly caused by the current heightened situation where certain leaders instead of finding a constructive resolution to the matter, chose to fan the flame of division and escalate the problem, pandering anger and hate into the whole situation.
"They cannot wash their hands clean of this matter and are indirectly responsible for escalating it until where it is now.
"The authorities have already taken all steps in investigating the matter and certain individuals involved have been charged in court.
"The court will be the best platform to prove and resolve the matter based on real facts and evidence rather than emotions from certain groups of people," he said.
He said it was important to allow the law to run its course and not further escalate the issue.
"A responsible leader should have found ways to resolve it amicably and bridge the divide rather than dividing the people.
"There are many matters we need to focus upon as a country which we all will need to work together, prioritising the economy and welfare of our people regardless of backgrounds," he added. - The Vibes, March 27, 2024