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Abim urges political leaders not to stoke racial, religious tension

KUALA LUMPUR: Angkatan Belia Malaysia Malaysia (Abim) has echoed the call by the Council of Malay Rulers to bring down the country's political temperature and not stoke any racial or religious unrest.

Abim president, Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said it agreed with the call by the Council of Malay Rulers for political leaders to stop making unnecessary racial and religious remarks which could incite unrest within the community.

"Abim calls on all parties to be responsible and not aggravate the country's political scene further, especially sensitive issues which could cause anxiety among more Malaysians after the 15th General Election (GE).

"The task to ensure peace and harmony now depends on the unity government."

This task, he said, must include improvements to key performance indices in portfolios and ministries related to national unity and integration.

Muhammad Faisal said this new unity government is an opportunity to restore political moral values and reject those riding on religious and racial sentiments, which is damaging to society and prosperity.

"Abim believes that the flames of racism and incitement can lead to violence. And any group's identity should not be used to fan the flames of destructive racism, hatred and beyond. We urge all parties, especially political leaders, not to drag the community into this destruction for self gain," he said.

Yesterday, the Council of Malay Rulers urged the new government to instil a "spirit of togetherness" among Malaysians. It also ordered leaders not to play on race and religious issues which could confuse or anger the public.

Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir this after presiding over the 260th Council of Malay Rulers meeting.

Bukit Aman's Department of Internal Security and Public Order director, Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali, in a statement recently, said a total of 515 investigation papers had been opened out of 3,483 reports police received between Nov 4 to Nov 21.

Muhammad Faisal said checks showed that the report and investigation papers involved sedition, defamation and treason cases related to Sections 298 and 505 (b) of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 4(A), Election Offenses Act 1954.

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