KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng has called on the government to establish a special task force to address religious issues swiftly to prevent them from escalating.
The MCA vice-president emphasized the need for cooperation between various government agencies including the National Unity Ministry, Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Home Ministry, Communications Ministry, and Digital Ministry to set up this special task force. The aim is to handle complaints and disputes related to religious co-existence effectively.
Dr Wee stressed the importance of closely monitoring discussions on social media regarding religious issues to prevent situations from spiraling out of control. The goal is to prevent individuals from facing public scrutiny, media trials, or vigilante actions which can lead to fear and tension.
He also emphasized the need for authorities to take strict action against those intentionally spreading misinformation that can harm others. Dr Wee highlighted the importance of a hotline for individuals to report any inappropriate religious incidents or content to the task force for prompt action.
Regarding a recent controversy over a shoe logo, Dr Wee pointed out that the issue escalated quickly on social media before the company involved could address it properly. He criticized politicians, including Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, for exploiting such situations for political gain, which could deter foreign investments in Malaysia.
Dr Wee emphasized that while religion is a sensitive issue that requires understanding and goodwill, individuals should not act arbitrarily or resort to vigilantism in the name of religion. He warned that such actions could destabilize societal harmony in a country governed by the rule of law.
In conclusion, Dr Wee urged the government to take proactive measures in handling religious issues to maintain peace and stability in society. He emphasized the importance of addressing and resolving such issues promptly to prevent them from causing disruption and tension among different religious communities.
He reiterated the need for collective efforts from various government agencies to establish a special task force dedicated to handling religious disputes and complaints effectively. Dr Wee highlighted the detrimental impact of misinformation and hasty actions on social media platforms, calling for stricter measures against those who spread false information.
Dr Wee also stressed the repercussions of exploiting religious controversies for political gains, warning that such actions could deter foreign investments and harm Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage. He underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and promoting respect and understanding among different religious groups in the country.
Ultimately, Dr Wee emphasized the need for a balanced approach in addressing religious issues, where individuals exercise caution, restraint, and respect towards others’ beliefs. He called for a united front in addressing these sensitive matters to prevent further conflicts and promote harmonious co-existence among all religious communities in Malaysia.
