OPINION | Anwar: “No Nation Can Survive Racial Division!!” – Then Why Some Still Openly "Dividing" Us...?!!
7 Feb 2026 • 12:30 PM MYT
JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour
Credit Image: The Sun (BERNAMA)/The Vocket.com/Kosmo.com. (Photos strictly for illustration purposes only)
“Prominent” Muslim converts Zamri Vinoth and Ridhuan Tee Abdullah both came under fire recently for allegedly ridiculing and disrespecting the religious beliefs and rights of other communities in this multiracial country.
Yet, despite PM Anwar's assurances that the sensitivities of all races and religions in this country will be protected, has there really been any consistent enforcement by the authorities on blatant “2R” (race and religion) related violations and incitements especially on social media?
It was reported recently that the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has intensified monitoring of social media platforms for race, religion, and sedition-related contents, while reaffirming that enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the existing laws of the country.
Underlining its commitment to upholding legal boundaries while tracking online discourse, Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail further reassured that the police were aware of cases involving specific individuals.
“Prominent” Muslim converts Zamri Vinoth and Ridhuan Tee Abdullah both came under fire recently for allegedly ridiculing and disrespecting the religious beliefs and rights of other communities in this multiracial country.
Yet, despite PM Anwar's assurances that the sensitivities of all races and religions in this country will be protected, has there really been any consistent enforcement by the authorities on blatant “2R” (race and religion) related violations and incitements especially on social media?
It was reported recently that the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has intensified monitoring of social media platforms for race, religion, and sedition-related contents, while reaffirming that enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the existing laws of the country.
Underlining its commitment to upholding legal boundaries while tracking online discourse, Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail further reassured that the police were aware of cases involving specific individuals.
(News headline and image from Scoop)
However, even if the police were to act, is it not the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) that has the final say in pressing charges?
Rightly or wrongly, this may have fueled the perception that certain individuals may be enjoying some form of immunity to mock the faith of others under the pretext of proselytization while “defending” their own religion.
Recently, two disturbing incidents with racial undertones rocked social media; both involved hotshot Muslim convert experts who had allegedly posted slanderous and inflammatory remarks.
In the first incident, controversial Muslim preacher of ethnic Indian origin Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu was lambasted by a DAP Youth (Dapsy) activist after he had allegedly mocked Malaysian Hindus as worse than “parya” – a derogatory term referencing the supposedly lowly “pariah” caste in India; this was in relation to the free Penang ferry service which was announced in conjunction with the recent Thaipusam celebrations.
Rightly or wrongly, this may have fueled the perception that certain individuals may be enjoying some form of immunity to mock the faith of others under the pretext of proselytization while “defending” their own religion.
Recently, two disturbing incidents with racial undertones rocked social media; both involved hotshot Muslim convert experts who had allegedly posted slanderous and inflammatory remarks.
In the first incident, controversial Muslim preacher of ethnic Indian origin Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu was lambasted by a DAP Youth (Dapsy) activist after he had allegedly mocked Malaysian Hindus as worse than “parya” – a derogatory term referencing the supposedly lowly “pariah” caste in India; this was in relation to the free Penang ferry service which was announced in conjunction with the recent Thaipusam celebrations.
Credit Image: Focus Malaysia (screen shot from Astro Awani)
In a provocative comment, Vinoth had also allegedly called them "geng kuil haram” (illegal temple gang) while ridiculing them by asking if they wanted everything free in this country, including train, bus, ferry – even free flight!
In response to that, MIC Youth had reportedly urged the police and relevant authorities to immediately investigate and take legal action against Zamri under existing provisions, while stressing that Malaysia does not belong to any one race or religion.
However, many may express skepticism regarding the authorities initiating any serious action; in fact, despite around 900 police reports being allegedly lodged against him previously, he has continued to boldly spew racial and religious vitriol.
Could the lack of action also stem from the fear that prosecuting the culprits may turn them into “martyrs” – exacting a heavy political cost in terms of Malay-Muslim votes?
Meanwhile, in the second equally disturbing incident, Dr. Ngu Piew Seng, President of the Simanggang Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sarawak, had recently issued a strong rebuttal at another controversial Muslim convert Mohd Ridhuan Tee bin Abdullah; this was after the latter had allegedly labeled the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of Chinese independent secondary schools as a “product of communism”!
In a provocative comment, Vinoth had also allegedly called them "geng kuil haram” (illegal temple gang) while ridiculing them by asking if they wanted everything free in this country, including train, bus, ferry – even free flight!
In response to that, MIC Youth had reportedly urged the police and relevant authorities to immediately investigate and take legal action against Zamri under existing provisions, while stressing that Malaysia does not belong to any one race or religion.
However, many may express skepticism regarding the authorities initiating any serious action; in fact, despite around 900 police reports being allegedly lodged against him previously, he has continued to boldly spew racial and religious vitriol.
Could the lack of action also stem from the fear that prosecuting the culprits may turn them into “martyrs” – exacting a heavy political cost in terms of Malay-Muslim votes?
Meanwhile, in the second equally disturbing incident, Dr. Ngu Piew Seng, President of the Simanggang Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sarawak, had recently issued a strong rebuttal at another controversial Muslim convert Mohd Ridhuan Tee bin Abdullah; this was after the latter had allegedly labeled the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of Chinese independent secondary schools as a “product of communism”!
Credit Image: Facebook Dr Ngu Piew Seng.
Dr Ngu highlighted that equality of rights is a universal value, and distorting it as a “communist” ideology exposes a fundamental misunderstanding of modern political thought and constitutional governance; significantly, it also showed a blatant disrespect for the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
Furthermore, according to Dr Ngu, indiscriminately branding members of the Chinese community who seek fair educational opportunities as “communists” is a crude sweeping generalization which carries provocative and destructive implications.
Is there an attempt to “delegitimize” Chinese education through political stigmatization and demonization?
He went on to stress that such harmful labels and intimidation should never be allowed to undermine social order, and that if such statements could incite social confrontation and potentially cross legal boundaries relating to sedition and public order, then there is sufficient grounds for enforcement authorities to take notice.
But the perennial question remains: will the authorities, and especially the AGC, press charges?
Truth be told, there is a palpable sense of anger and dissatisfaction in the country especially among the minorities; this is because while ordinary citizens are promptly arrested for posting statements violating “2R” sensitivities, certain “influential” public figures riding on the majoritarian religion here are seemingly spared despite repeatedly making inflammatory statements belittling the believers of minority religions.
In conclusion, the use of slurs such as parya and communist on the Indian and Chinese communities here is clearly a direct attack on their basic dignity, chargeable under Section 298A of the Penal Code or the Sedition Act 1948 for inciting disharmony and hatred on the grounds of race and religion. But, will PM Anwar's administration act swiftly without fear or favour to protect public harmony before communal tensions boil over?
Notes to Ponder: While the police have the power to investigate, Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution stipulates that the ultimate power to prosecute rests exclusively with the AG!
Main information source: The Vibes / Focus Malaysia / Facebook Dr Ngu Piew Seng.
Furthermore, according to Dr Ngu, indiscriminately branding members of the Chinese community who seek fair educational opportunities as “communists” is a crude sweeping generalization which carries provocative and destructive implications.
Is there an attempt to “delegitimize” Chinese education through political stigmatization and demonization?
He went on to stress that such harmful labels and intimidation should never be allowed to undermine social order, and that if such statements could incite social confrontation and potentially cross legal boundaries relating to sedition and public order, then there is sufficient grounds for enforcement authorities to take notice.
But the perennial question remains: will the authorities, and especially the AGC, press charges?
Truth be told, there is a palpable sense of anger and dissatisfaction in the country especially among the minorities; this is because while ordinary citizens are promptly arrested for posting statements violating “2R” sensitivities, certain “influential” public figures riding on the majoritarian religion here are seemingly spared despite repeatedly making inflammatory statements belittling the believers of minority religions.
In conclusion, the use of slurs such as parya and communist on the Indian and Chinese communities here is clearly a direct attack on their basic dignity, chargeable under Section 298A of the Penal Code or the Sedition Act 1948 for inciting disharmony and hatred on the grounds of race and religion. But, will PM Anwar's administration act swiftly without fear or favour to protect public harmony before communal tensions boil over?
Notes to Ponder: While the police have the power to investigate, Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution stipulates that the ultimate power to prosecute rests exclusively with the AG!
Main information source: The Vibes / Focus Malaysia / Facebook Dr Ngu Piew Seng.
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