Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today moved to pre-empt possible racial flare-ups resulting from the murder of cosmetics millionaire Sosilawati Lawiya.

In a statement today, Hishammuddin said that the brutal murder of Sosilawati and three acquaintances could enrage the public and cause “negative perceptions” among the ethnic groups.

bagan pinang by election nomination 031009 hishammuddin hussein “I see this case as a cruel and serious crime which transcends racial boundaries and religions. All ethnic groups and religions in the country condemn what has happened in the same breath,” said Hishammuddin ( left ).

Hishammuddin is the latest among several BN leaders to have called on the public to avoid scrutinising the issue through racially-tinted lenses.

Similar statements have been made by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department T Murugiah.

Sosilawati, 47, is believed to have been murdered along with her driver Shamsuddin Kamaruddin, 44; CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and her personal lawyer, Ahmad Kamil Abd Karim, 32.

‘Use harshest law applicable’

After their burnt remains were discovered on Sept 10, eight suspects were arrested and pictures were splashed on most newspapers revealing that there were from an ethnic minority.

In his statement, Hishammuddin said that he was personally monitoring investigations and believes that the police were doing their utmost in investigations.

“I have contacted inspector-general of police Ismail Omar and urged him to work closely with the attorney-general to ensure justice is served.

“The focus now is the ensure that the perpetrators be brought to justice and charged under the harshest laws applicable,” said Hishammuddin.

He also urged the public to come forward with information that can help investigations.

The home minister also expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.