MCA has lauded the Malay rulers' role in curbing bigotry and maintaining harmony, and hoped the authorities too will be similarly proactive.

"MCA is pleased that our check and balance system is intact and is thankful for the role of the rulers for their courage, wisdom and foresight.

"This is the kind of Malaysia we aspire our home to be - one that is tolerant and inclusive of all races and religions.

"We hope that more proactive and positive actions are taken by authorities to curb this emerging threat to our national peace and harmony," MCA religious harmony bureau chairperson Ti Lian Ker said in a statement.

He claimed that the country was facing a "creeping threat of Talibanisation".

Ti lauded Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's decree for Zamihan Mat Zin's preaching accreditation to be revoked over a sermon in which he called Chinese "unclean" and criticised the Johor Sultan's stance against Muslim-only laundrette.

"What the Selangor sultan (photo) has done is to send a very strong message against racism and bigotry in the country. This is something very pleasing to all Malaysians," he said.

Ti also praised the Conference of Rulers' statement criticising "excessive actions" by certain individuals and groups to the detriment of national harmony.

The rulers noted that this was done in the name of Islam even though the religion emphasised on respect, moderation and inclusiveness.

Ti also noted that there were those who are out to defy the royal institution.

"Regretfully there are now groups and individuals who are beginning to show and display signs of defiance and disrespect to the royal institutions which constitutional duties are, among others, to protect the good name of our state religion," he said.

Ti added that this "dangerous" trend must be curbed.

"Our sultans are there to remind us and to be mindful and respectful of our norms and practices and also to preserve our harmony and respect for the constitution," he said.