MORE calls for justice have poured in for the worker who was sacked after pictures of him wearing a crucifix while working at a famous Chinese beef bun restaurant in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur went viral.
It was reported recently that social media postings showed sympathy for the employee whose sacking was seen as a case of unfair dismissal and religious discrimination.
Former MCA vice-president, Senator Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said Malaysians should come together to call out injustices by ignorant, self-centred people who did not appreciate strong multiculturalism in the country.
“We should not resort to using religion to suppress others. This does not only apply to politicians, but to each and every Malaysian.
“We need to call out and encourage more people, especially the younger generation, to point out misdeeds and wrongs that divide society and cause unnecessary tensions among the races,” he said.
The restaurant concerned is a Muslim-friendly outlet, and the furore began after a customer uploaded a video showing the employee wearing a chain with a crucifix, and asked if the eatery was truly Muslim-friendly in its food preparation.
That video has since been removed.
What angered internet users the most was the management’s reaction. Instead of standing up for their employee, they dismissed him immediately.
“Malaysia and Malaysians have inherited a harmonious, multicultural, multiethnic, and multireligious foundation that is way too precious for us to allow any politician or individual to trample on or displace.
“We should not stand by watching these emerging trends among certain individuals or parties which use and manipulate religion to their advantage,” said Ti.
He shared several comments from Muslims who were also upset with the drastic action taken against the worker.
One “Nina’s Nazri” said the decision to sack the employee was wrong: “Wearing a cross has no bearing on the halal status of the food served.”
Another posting quoted a Quranic verse that read, “To you, your religion, to me mine.”
“We are all Malaysians and regardless of race or religion, we must stand up for what is wrong. I applaud these netizens for standing up for what is right,” added Ti.
Yesterday, Bandar Kuching MP, Dr Kelvin Yii said he was deeply concerned about the level of racial and religious tolerance in the country, which could be a threat to national unity and harmony.
“The restaurant concerned should have just released a statement assuring the people that all guidelines on halal food preparations are being strictly followed.
“There was no need to sack an honest worker who was merely exercising his right to express his faith,” said Yii. – The Vibes, November 22, 2023.
