The rise and frequency of instances of racial and religious slurs in the public domain, particularly on social media and the Internet, must be a matter of grave concern to all Malaysians said DAP strongman Lim Kit Siang.

"All right-thinking Malaysians regardless of political affiliation should join hands to call and work for a return of civility, reason and rationality in public discourse and an end to any form of racial or religious slurs particularly on social media and Internet," he said in a statement issued today.

teoh beng hock memorial night 160710 kit siang Kit Siang ( left ) added that the quality of Malaysian public discourse must not be degraded and sullied by lies and falsehoods, racial bigotry and religious intolerance which could only undermine and subvert the very fabric of Malaysian society.

"The Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak, has called for speedier action by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) against those who post racial or religious slurs and misuse the social networking websites.

"MCMC can be assured of public support for any strict action against abuses of the Internet as putting up content with racial and religious slurs which could spark off tension in our country."

However, he added, the MCMC must, however, protect its credibility and legitimacy by never losing public confidence in its independence, integrity and professionalism as a key institution to protect the national interests.

"It should not be the tool of any sectional or partisan political interests or even the government-of-the-day," concluded Kit Siang.