THE president of the oldest Malay organisation in the country has called on the government to be stern against those who exploit race, religion and royalty issues.
Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff, who is the president of the 98-year-old Penang Malays Association (Pemenang), said the time has come for the authorities to be stern and act decisively against those propagating hatred and bigotry in a diverse society like Malaysia.
"We first need to amend the Federal Constitution by enacting a constitutional court to hear and mete out punishments against those harping on sensitive issues of race, religion and royalty.
“A firm penalty would be to punish those who are found guilty by suspending their citizenship."
Alternatively, Yussof said that the offender can also be banished under emergency ordinances to another district for a proposed six months or be imprisoned.
"We have been a sovereign nation for the past 67 - years. Do we still need to tolerate attempts to wield a wedge through our social contract of harmony and tolerance."
Malaysians of all race and creed as well as religion need to understand that the country attained independence on grounds of harmony and mutual respect, said Yussof.
He said this when commenting on a report that the Ministry of National Unity has lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission against an X user over racially and provocatively charged statements on social media.
"I hope that the individual involved is investigated and appropriate action is taken in accordance with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. “The Ministry is committed to ensuring that the harmony and unity of Malaysians are continuously preserved," Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang posted on X.
Dagang said that any form of statement or action that can undermine unity and incite hatred is unacceptable.
Yussof also said that the country also needs to emulate Penang, who has a goodwill council while more funding be allocated to organise activities on understanding multi - racialism and diverse religions.
He said the Father of Malaysia - the first prime minister Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman should be used as the symbol of national unity in the country with his speeches repurposed as a medium for progressive unity and harmony. - April 2, 2025.
