Politicians and a religious organisation believe it is time to hold accountable those who attempt to incite racial and religious unrest among the people.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu voiced support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's zero-tolerance stance for those who attempt to sow racial and religious strife.
He said no one, under any circumstances, should speak or act in a way that would undermine harmony in Malaysia.
"We are all for mutual racial unity. We must always respect each other's religions and stand together to keep the peace.
"Nobody, regardless of who you are, politicians or anyone else, should say or do anything that will cause concern in the community or engage in activities that will affect the sensitivities of any community."
Former deputy youth and sports minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker also gave his backing to the prime minister.
"I fully support the stern warning and firm hand of the prime minister in trying to put a stop to parties attempting to sow the seeds of hatred using racial and religious sentiments.
"The practice of riding on religious or racial fervour to seek power has been allowed for too long," he said in a Twitter post.
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Sardar Jagir Singh said he welcomed the prime minister's zero-tolerance stand on those who incite racial and religious conflict.
"We call upon the people to
refrain from making racially-charged statements and instead endeavour to create harmony among the many races, which will lead to unity and progress."
He urged the police and relevant authorities to firmly enforce the law without fear or favour, in line with the prime minister's directive.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh said the Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion and the law of the land governs the preservation of Islam's purity and the beliefs of its followers.
He said the Youth and Sports Ministry's Jom Ziarah programme, which was accused of being connected to an evangelical Christian movement, should be examined.
"It's not that open dialogue on religion cannot be done. Religious scholars should be part of the panel to ensure that the sharing of information is done with care," he said, adding that he had yet to see the full itinerary for the Jom Ziarah programme.
"However, I still strongly urge the organisers of the programme to be more sensitive about this issue and take appropriate action to prevent Muslims from participating.
"Islamic agencies in Selangor must take appropriate action according to the law to prevent this programme from happening," he said.
