KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said today that the police will take strict action without compromising against any individuals issuing statement on religious or racial sensitivity that disturb the peace of the country.
Acryl Sani said that police are closely monitoring the current security situation in the country, and vowed that the situation is under control.
“The current security level is under control and the police is committed to ensure law enforcement is performed continuously to ensure security remains guaranteed,” he said in a statement here.
He also advised the public to not issue or share statements that can affect the harmony among races or cause public annoyance.
He also urged the public to inform the police if they have any information on individuals issuing such statements.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also issued a stern warning against parties he said were using race and religion to promote strife, ahead of a rally this weekend that is organised by groups that suggest the Malays are under siege.
Anwar said his government will “not tolerate the slightest bit” any form of racial instigation and “continue to uphold the federal constitution” as he pledged to lead a government that is inclusive. The prime minister, however, stopped short of stating if he would stop Sunday’s rally.
Anwar’s coalition government was again forced to defend itself against accusations that it promotes “religious pluralism” after news surfaced following initiatives by Impact Malaysia — an agency under the Youth and Sports Ministry — to promote mutual understanding and respect about the diverse religions in the country.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has clarified in Parliament that the “Jom Ziarah” initiative that organises visits to various houses of worship did not involve Muslim participants.
Impact Malaysia, the project coordinator, said on March 13 that the “Jom Ziarah” is an event under its “Projek Artikel 11”, an initiative to promote a “more inclusive Malaysia”.
Authorities also confirmed today they have commenced an investigation against Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Badrul Hisham Shaharin, who linked the Youth and Sports Ministry to Christian proselytisation.
Sentul police chief Beh Eng Lai said Badrul Hisham or better known as Che’gu Bard, had also accused the ministry of channelling funds to a non-governmental organisation allegedly for enticing non-Christian youths to visit churches.
