A popular modernist religious scholar has the laid the blame for Sunday's mall brawl squarely at the feet of certain quarters who played up racial sentiments for their own vested political interest.
In a Facebook posting today, Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said in view of this, the rakyat must rise up to fight tainted politicians who use race and religion as weapons to incite the hatred among the people.
"For me, the recent incident (at Low yat Plaza) was caused by racial sentiments played up by certain parties lately.
"Certain quarters have attempted to stoke the racial issue since the last general election for the sake of party politics. Some NGOs also shared these same sentiments," he wrote.
The Penang-born USM lecturer ( photo ), however, didn't name any party or politician only referring to them in general terms.
"As a result, the flame of hatred began to blaze especially among the youth," he further noted with concern.
Fight hatred
"For the future of Malaysia, we need to fight these politicians who love to use racial and religious issues as weapons to arouse hatred among the people, " he noted further.
Several people were injured when an angry mob descended on Low Yat Plaza in the heart of Kuala Lumpur over the weekend following a dispute over a stolen handphone.
Police have since arrested 18 people while Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has called on the authorities to take action under the Sedition Act against those spreading messages that can threaten racial harmony.
Related reports
Mall brawl: Auxiliary cop, handphone traders arrested
Minister: Social media causes more harm than good
Asri: Racial elements fanned Low Yat fracas
Low Yat fracas: Sedition Act jab for Ali Tinju
Zahid vows colour blind justice for rumpus
Low Yat brawler 'shocked' over aftermath
'Brawls reminder for DAP to recruit more Malays'
It’s back to normal at Low Yat Plaza
Stick as one 'Bangsa M'sia', says prince
Hunt is on for Low Yat provocateurs, says IGP
‘Let’s us all not react to racial provocation’
Man accused of stealing in Low Yat to be charged
