PM fires at those blowing up issues as if there's going to be war

Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim slams certain quarters for making mountains out of molehills regarding issues which need not be politicised.

• He calls on the people not to allow such voices to spread discord.

• The prime minister references the relocation of a Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur and the recent clash between enforcement officers and an unlicensed balloon vendor.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the people not to entertain certain “bebal” (stupid) quarters that insist on politicising issues and condemning those who do not align with their stance.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly today, he said while some “small” issues could be solved amicably, some parties harp on the matter to the detriment of the people.

In particular, he referenced the controversial relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur and the recent altercation between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers and an unlicensed balloon vendor.

“Small matters which can be questioned in a good way are made into big issues as if a war is going to happen,” Anwar said.

“Don’t give (these voices) space. Some ‘bebal’ people don’t think of the public’s interest as they want to politicise everything.

“They want to do everything in a punishing way and if you don’t agree with them, they will label you as evil, kafir (disbeliever), and munafik (hypocrite),” he added.

Denouncing such practices, he said the special position of the Malays as enshrined in the Federal Constitution does not mean voices from minority groups should be insulted in a manner against Islamic teachings.

Temple relocation

Commenting on the 130-year-old Hindu temple’s impending relocation to make way for the Madani Mosque, Anwar said he was advised to postpone the mosque’s groundbreaking ceremony, which was held on March 27.

He also said he was advised to change the name of the mosque to avoid public discontent and potential loss of votes in the coming elections.

“We wanted to build a mosque, so there was no compromise. We did it in a peaceful manner, showcasing Islam’s strength while respecting others,” he added.

The temple’s relocation sparked polarised reactions, with a segment of social media users focusing on the legal status of Hindu temples.

The MCMC has since initiated investigations into several social media users who posted offensive racial comments related to the discord over Hindu temples.

Balloon vendor

Balloon vendor Za’imuddin Azlan was reportedly roughly handled by DBKL officers on March 28 as the local authority claimed he refused to stop his unlicensed business.

A private doctor has said he is now at risk of permanent paralysis from a spine injury.

Amid tensions running high, Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin appeared to have compared the two incidents.

“What is clearly ‘haram’ is given all the treatment and replacements, (but) the marhaen (rakyat) on the street are treated without humanity.

“On that side, there is compromise, on this side, there is pushing and defeat. What principles do you accept and measure?”

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