Be mindful of your words, says Na'im following racist stall signage

Summary

• Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar urged Malaysians to be mindful of their words and actions to maintain racial harmony.

• He stressed that racial issues are highly sensitive and should be handled with caution to avoid provoking tensions among communities.

• Responding to a viral video of a racially insensitive notice at a hawker stall, Na’im said he could not comment yet as he had not received full details.

Malaysians are urged to be mindful of their words and actions so that racial harmony is preserved, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar.

He stressed the importance of maintaining social harmony by being more aware of sensitive issues.

“I have repeatedly emphasised the need to be careful with our words and actions, as racial sensitivity is a very delicate matter.

“It is a matter in which even the name is sensitive. Society must be cautious - we do not want our words or actions to provoke anger among different communities.

“Mutual respect is essential,” he told reporters after attending the Jalinan Muhibbah Madani Chinese New Year 2025 programme held at the Hokkien Association Klang today.

Na’im was responding to a viral video showing a racially insensitive notice placed by a hawker at their stall.

However, he refrained from commenting further, stating that he had yet to receive complete information on the matter.  

“I haven’t received the details yet, so I can’t comment for now. I will once I have more information,” he said briefly.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported a video that went viral on social media, in which a roadside stall owner was found displaying an offensive sign on the table he uses to sell roasted corn.

The stall, which is said to be located in Kota Warisan, Sepang, placed a sign which reads, “Sorry, ini jagung tiada jual sama orang keling.” (Sorry, we don’t sell this corn to the Indian community)

The keling word is a derogatory term used against the Indian community.

Strengthening unity

In his speech, Na’im said today’s programme, coordinated by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), aims to strengthen unity among the multiracial and multi-religious society.

“This is part of human nature. We are encouraged to get to know one another, respect diversity, and as everyone is aware, in building a Madani government, all efforts towards unity and harmony are prioritised,” he said.

Na’im also mentioned that agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) will always collaborate with all parties to further strengthen societal unity and harmony for the prosperity of the nation.

The Jalinan Muhibbah Madani Chinese New Year 2025 was held in collaboration with various parties, including Islamic NGOs such as the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association.

Additionally, the programme also received support from the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation, the Hidayah Centre Foundation, and Islamic religious authorities such as the Selangor Islamic Religious Council and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).

Also present at the event were Jais director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad and Jakim director-general Sirajuddin Suhaimee.

According to the programme’s original itinerary, Na’im was scheduled to participate in the yee sang tossing ceremony with the Chinese community.

However, the event did not take place.

Malaysiakini was informed that this was due to an updated programme schedule that excluded the yee sang ceremony, and previous invitations were not updated accordingly.

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