KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed disapproval over an incident where a non-Muslim man was slapped by a Muslim man for eating at a convenience store in Johor Bahru during the fasting month.
The Prime Minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Anwar believes issues that touch on religious, racial and ethnic sensitivities can be avoided if all parties comply with and are committed to practising the principle of mutual respect to build a civilised country.
More than that, Anwar said, such actions must cease as they are against the spirit of national unity and harmony.
“What is the point of us talking about Islam and its beauty, especially during the month of Ramadan, if it does not build internal strength and distance us from hostile attitudes that threaten peace and harmony?” he said at the daily Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) briefing, which was broadcast live on Anwar and the PMO’s Facebook pages today.
On Monday, Johor Bahru North police chief Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh confirmed police received a report from a 21-year-old about the incident, which occurred at 3.45pm on Sunday.
Balveer Singh was quoted as saying that the complainant claimed he was slapped twice on the right cheek by a stranger who asked about the complainant’s religion and for him to show his MyKad as evidence. The incident went viral on social media through two 32-second and 44-second videos.
Meanwhile, Tunku Nashrul said there were active efforts by several parties who continued to spread continuous slander against the Prime Minister with repeated, outdated stories.
“This shows the desperation of these parties to try to influence the minds of the public and the futility of their ideas in efforts to develop the country.
“Spreading slander, especially during the month of Ramadan, is the lowest of morals and is strictly prohibited by Islam,” he said, adding that such attempts would be closely monitored so they don’t weaken the spirit to ensure the well-being of the people and the country.
— Bernama
