I APPLAUD the initiative by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) in setting up a 24-hour headline for the public to report on any incidents of “insult of Islam”.
Both the Religious Affairs Minister Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and JAKIM director-general Datin Paduka Hakimah Mohd Yusoff must be praised for such excellent initiative.
Their action truly reflect the value of ‘respect’ in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision of the Madani government.
Islam as the religion of the Federation and of all the states except Sarawak as well as being the religion of the majority of Malaysians must be protected from insults at all costs.
Setting up this hotline should send a clear message to Malaysians of all ethno-religious backgrounds that Islam cannot be insulted or made fun of.
On the same logic, shouldn’t all belief systems – from Bahaism, Buddhist, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism to animism and humanism – and all communities regardless of their ethno-linguistic-cultural origin, lifestyle and social status be equally protected, too, from insults and ridicules?
Two more hotlines needed
Hence, I call for another 24-hour hotline to receive complaints about insults of any faith other than Islam or towards any ethnic group – be they Malays, Chinese, Indians, Momoguns (Kadazan, Dusuns, Muruts, Rungus), Dayak, Bajau, Melanau, Suluk, Bugis, Senoi, Negrito, Proto Malays, Siamese, Kristangs – or any other indigenous and non-indigenous groups so that every Malaysian can feel dignified and respected.
Showering respect for each and every religion, heritage, language, culture, lifestyle and identity is how we Sabahans and Sarawakians manage to live harmoniously and peacefully. It must be promoted nationwide covering every Malaysian citizen.
I am fully confident that the Madani Cabinet would support this idea as it is another manifestation of the value of ‘respect’.
I eagerly look forward to the announcement on this by the National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang and the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud.
Additionally, we may even need the third 24-hour hotline for the public to report on instigation and promotion of violence which may lead to Molotov cocktails and other attacks of domestic terrorism.
This is absolutely necessary because speeches promoting violence and intense hatred are more harmful and disastrous than verbal insults on belief systems and their adherents.
I have confidence that Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din would agree with me that instigation and abetting violence is the greatest threat to law and order, hence must be stamped down with no less seriousness than the ban of 3Rs (race, religion and royalty).
To ensure consistency and no double standard in law enforcement and to avoid abuse of these three hotlines by organised complainants, there must be clear guidelines on what amounts to “insult of Islam”, “insult of members of any religious, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and lifestyle communities” and “instigation and promotion of violence”.
Only with these well-crafted guidelines, we can better attain peace instead of building up the undercurrents.
I have all my trust and confidence that all the three ministers would do their best in setting up the three 24-hour hotlines and make Malaysia safer from violence and intense hatred. – May 6, 2024
Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau is the four-term Tuaran MP.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
