Kepong MP: Racial spin of Merdeka stage incident shows fragile unity
Published: Sep 1, 2025 1:04 PM
Updated: 5:29 PM
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has expressed concern that the recent incident at the Perak-level Merdeka celebration has once again exposed how quickly Malaysians resort to racial framing.
Citing a statement from the Bukit Aman police headquarters regarding the suspect’s race, he said the fact that such a clarification was necessary reflects the fragility of Malaysia’s national unity.
“A personal act by an individual was quickly racialised. This shows a deeper issue in our society: When something unusual happens, people often ask, ‘What race is she or he?’ rather than, ‘What actually happened?’” he said in a statement today.
Lim stressed that this mindset signals a wider breakdown in trust between communities and diverts authorities from focusing on the real issue at hand.
“Instead of addressing the actual security concern, resources are spent correcting rumours and managing misinformation,” he added.
Yesterday, a 41-year-old woman ran onto a stage while the Perak state anthem was being played and attempted to approach Sultan Nazrin Shah. Security personnel switfly detained the woman.
Incident at Perak Merdeka celebration
Shortly after the incident, false claims circulated on social media alleging that the woman was Chinese.
Contrary to social media posts, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar confirmed that the woman is Malay and has a history of psychiatric illness.
She is being investigated under Sections 325 and 511 of the Penal Code.
‘Not everything is about race’
Lim, as such, urged Malaysians to move beyond the habit of racialising news events and called for stronger media literacy to counter misinformation.
“Not everything is about race. Not every incident needs to be politicised or weaponised for outrage.
“Malaysians need to question what they read online. Social media companies and community leaders also have a role to play,” he said.
The DAP lawmaker also reminded the public not to sensationalise the woman’s psychiatric condition, stressing the need for compassion.
“This incident should never have become a racial issue. But the fact that it did shows how far we still have to go in building a thoughtful, united Malaysia,” added Lim.
Shortly after the incident, false claims circulated on social media alleging that the woman was Chinese.
Contrary to social media posts, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar confirmed that the woman is Malay and has a history of psychiatric illness.
She is being investigated under Sections 325 and 511 of the Penal Code.
‘Not everything is about race’
Lim, as such, urged Malaysians to move beyond the habit of racialising news events and called for stronger media literacy to counter misinformation.
“Not everything is about race. Not every incident needs to be politicised or weaponised for outrage.
“Malaysians need to question what they read online. Social media companies and community leaders also have a role to play,” he said.
The DAP lawmaker also reminded the public not to sensationalise the woman’s psychiatric condition, stressing the need for compassion.
“This incident should never have become a racial issue. But the fact that it did shows how far we still have to go in building a thoughtful, united Malaysia,” added Lim.
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Sadly, there's a sector which continuously aims to divide our society - S-Wholes
Type-C are under permanent suspicion.
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