SIBU: The authorities should not simply brush the slapping incident in Johor aside but should instead conduct a thorough and fair investigation based on facts.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government of Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang said it will not only prevent similar incidents from recurring but also serve as a social warning.
“Athough this incident may have been an isolated case, it had nonetheless caused public concern,” he said in a statement today.
The Pelawan assemblyman also stressed that such an outrageous act should not have occurred, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, as it provokes racial and religious sensitivities.
“Regardless of whether the Muslim man in question was mentally stable, it was not appropriate for him to demand someone’s identification in public and even go as far as slapping another person.
“This is a violation of privacy and a show of disrespect toward others. Such behaviour is neither acceptable nor tolerated in a civilised society.
“The authorities should impose appropriate penalties to serve as a lesson for the public, fostering mutual respect among all ethnic groups,” he said.
Tiang said that racial and religious extremism incidents are more commonly seen in Malaya.
In contrast, Sarawak has always been regarded as a model of harmony, where over 30 ethnic groups coexist peacefully, never experiencing conflict due to religious, racial, cultural, or linguistic differences.
This unique trait is a source of pride for Sarawakians.
“The Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of belief and religion for all ethnic groups, and this is undeniable.
“We should not discriminate against others in the name of religion or race. Before respecting others, one must first learn to respect oneself.
“In recent years, racial and religious extremism has been on the rise. We hope that the government will take the most severe actions against such individuals and not allow them to disrupt national harmony,” he said.
