Good morning. Here's our news and views that matter for today.
Key Highlights
Stand up against hate
Booze vending machines
Fahmi under fire
Stand up against hate
DAP lawmaker Syerleena Abdul Rashid has called on Malaysians to come together to denounce discrimination or bigotry based on religion, ethnicity, or any other grounds.
The Bukit Bendera MP made the call after notes warning Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming not to challenge Islam were scattered outside his parents’ house in Perak.
Stressing that it is not an isolated incident but rather a “stark reminder of the poisonous presence of religious extremism and hate-mongering tactics within our society”, she called for those who promoted such ideologies to be held accountable.
“It is deeply concerning when individuals resort to hate-filled tactics to sow discord among us. Such actions not only undermine our unity but also threaten the peace and stability of our nation.
“Authorities must take swift and decisive action against those responsible for spreading hateful messages, across all platforms, as there can be no room for intolerance in our society, and those who promote such ideologies must be held accountable,” she said.
Syerleena said Malaysia’s diversity should be celebrated and cherished instead of being used as a tool to create division and hatred.
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Booze vending machines
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is considering a proposal for convenience stores to use vending machines to sell alcoholic beverages so that Muslim workers would not have to handle them.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Islamic Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan said the government always welcomes fresh ideas that can help address concerns about Muslims having to handle alcoholic beverages at work, which is considered haram in Islam.
The proposal was put forth by Amanah lawmaker Suhaizan Kaiat when he posed a question in the Dewan Rakyat on whether the government can introduce a new mechanism to address this issue.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said Jakim also helps Muslim workers who wish to leave industries that sell alcohol, which included providing them with temporary financial assistance through zakat centres and state religious councils until they can secure more appropriate employment through several programmes.
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Fahmi under fire
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has come under fire from opposition politicians, with Bersatu MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan accusing him of committing a “slow murder” of media freedom-related reforms.
Prior to that, Bersatu information chief Razali Idris censured the minister for saying that a press accreditation card is not a licence to practise journalism.
“Do not fool the people and media practitioners on the function of media cards by comparing them to licence to practise medicine, law, architecture or engineering.
“All this while, media practitioners are aware that the government-issued press accreditation cards are to facilitate their move freely without any professional restrictions,” he said.
Commenting on the same statement, Wan Saiful said Fahmi’s remarks appear to be in denial of the existence of polemics regarding this matter.
“His careless attitude is insulting to media practitioners in our country,” he added.
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Views that matter
 | By P Gunasegaram |
 | By R Nadeswaran |
 | By Mohamed Hanipa Maidin |
Other news that matter
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the call to encourage non-Malays to join the public sector should not be limited to just the Chinese.
A group of leaders from DAP feasted on bak kut teh in Klang, Selangor, in support of the government's initiative to include the Chinese dish as one of the national heritage foods.
Chinese education development group Dong Zong urged authorities to take action against academic Teo Kok Seong over his remark that Chinese schools propagate racism against Malays.
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