DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has called on all parties to cease making comments or statements that could escalate racial tensions and harm the nation's social harmony, particularly in a country as diverse as Malaysia.
He has stressed the need for responsibility and accuracy when voicing opinions, urging that no statements should be made without ensuring that they are based on factual information.
Johari’s comments were made during a press event at the Maahad Tahfiz Al-Faridiyah in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, where he attended a rice donation programme organized by the Association of Muslim Restaurant Owners Malaysia (PRESMA).
The event was part of the charity efforts for the Aidilfitri festival, benefiting 3,333 individuals in need.
"Statements made without proper facts can ignite dangerous consequences. We must ensure that we act fairly towards ourselves and our society. It's essential to confirm the accuracy of facts before making any public comments," Bernama cited him saying.
He warned that such behaviour could lead to further divisions within Malaysian society, calling on all Malaysians to remain vigilant and mindful of the potential impact of their words.
Tan Sri Johari also praised the charitable initiative, which involved significant participation from various community leaders, including Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, and PRESMA President, Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan.
This call comes at a time when Malaysia is facing challenges in maintaining unity among its ethnically diverse population, with political and social issues often sparking debates around race and identity.
The Speaker's message is clear: a shared responsibility exists to protect the peace and foster mutual understanding across all communities in the country. – March 30, 2025
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