Anwar puts security forces on alert for possible unrest
Authorities on the alert for racial and religious unrest à la May 13, says PM
(The Vibes) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered security forces to be on alert for possible unrest stemming from irresponsible quarters playing up racial and religious sentiments.
Anwar said his government would not allow any statements that could threaten harmony, stressing that multiracial Malaysia must remain peaceful.
“Any attempt made by anyone to pit one race against another, or to increase the racial and religious temperature in this country will not be permitted.
“I have ordered security forces to be on alert because those who are desperate or feel challenged will use these sentiments, and the poor will be paid to cause chaos,” he told a press conference after chairing today’s cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.
While he did not make specific mention of any incident, Anwar’s comments come at a time of controversies surrounding indie film Mentega Terbang, accusations against the youth and sports minister of proselytising Christianity to Muslim youth, and the ban on politicians from delivering religious talks in mosques in several states.
It also comes in the wake of corruption charges being levelled against opposition leaders, including former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over his alleged involvement in the contentious Jana Wibawa initiative.
Muhyiddin was slapped with a total of six counts of graft – four for abuse of power and two under money-laundering laws – at the sessions court here last Friday.
He was then charged with another count of money laundering at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Monday.
