For the Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to imply that there are “certain people” who do not understand what he had said is insulting the intelligence of Malaysians capable of reading between the lines. Why did the DPM choose to wait six days after the controversy erupted before explaining himself?

Utusan Malaysia had reported Muhyiddin’s “reminder” in the context of worsening ethnic relations because Malays and Islam were said to be under siege from alleged attacks by non-Malays and non-Muslims. If this is not a veiled threat, that what did the DPM ask?

Having said that, if the DPM’s speech had been ‘manipulated’, then the culprit is none other than Utusan Malaysia . Utusan had quoted Muhyiddin as saying, “As deputy prime minister, every night before I sleep I think about how to manage the country. There are people who sent me text messages (asking) what will happen to the Malays? Why is Islam being insulted? And other similar issues.

“Why are these things happening and it is worrying. We all must return to the right path. Place religion as the pillar of our strength as Muslims, as well as our (Malay) culture and customs.”

Utusan ’s clearly reported that the DPM, whether intentional or otherwise, was singling out non-Malays and non-Muslims as the alleged perpetrators when he referred to a possible recurrence of May 13. “Ini boleh menyebabkan peristiwa tersebut dan saya tidak mahu sebut tarikh itu.”

If Utusan had misreported, then our Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is urged to convince Malaysians that Utusan does not enjoy full legal immunity by taking stern action against the editors and reporters involved for their irresponsible reporting, and in addition Utusan should be asked to make a formal apology for its “erroneous” reporting.

We need to put an end to any references to the ‘May 13' incident by unscrupulous fear-mongering extremist and make a stand that anybody who threatens with ‘May 13' must be regarded as anti-national, regardless of race and religion.

It is the responsibility of all Malaysians to take a firm stand against divisive forces that can tear apart our social fabric and cause disunity. We must reject the racial and religious extremists who incite racial and religious hatred, tension and conflicts.

We must stand together to rise above politics and unite as Malaysians in working towards building our multi-racial nation into a United Malaysia (Malays, Chinese, Indians and others who detest racism and bigotry).

What is morally wrong cannot be religiously or politically correct, we are first and foremost, Malaysians.

Stand Up, Speak Out and Unite as Malaysians. Let’s promote peace and unity!

MANIVANNAN RETHINAM is chairperson of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia and vice-chairperson of MIC’s National Information Committee.