Tuaran MP calls for more hotlines to stop insult of minorities, instigation of violence

6 May 2024

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, has called for the establishment of two additional 24-hour hotlines.

These hotlines aim to curb insults against minorities and prevent the instigation of violence.

Following the successful implementation of a 24-hour hotline by JAKIM for reporting incidents of "insult of Islam", Tangau has proposed the creation of similar hotlines for other faiths and ethnic groups.

“Islam as the religion of the Federation and of all the states except Sarawak, and the religion of majority of Malaysians, must be protected from insults. Setting up this hotline should send a clear message to all Malaysians of all ethno-religious backgrounds that Islam cannot be insulted or made fun of.

"All belief systems, from Bahaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism, to animism and humanism, and all communities - regardless of their ethno-linguistic-cultural origin, lifestyle and social status, must equally be protected from insults and ridicules too.

“Hence, I call for another 24-hour hotline to receive complaints about insults of any faith

other than Islam, any ethnic group - Malays, Chinese, Indians, Momoguns (Kadazan,

Dusuns, Muruts, Rungus), Dayaks, Bajau, Melanau, Suluk, Bugis, Senoi, Negrito, Proto

Malays, Siamese, Kristangs, other indigenous and non-indigenous groups, language of

any speakers, practitioners of any culture and lifestyle, so that every Malaysian can feel

dignified and respected," said Tangau in a statement yesterday.

The proposed hotlines, if implemented, could mark a significant step towards ensuring respect for all communities in Malaysia and maintaining peace in the face of potential domestic terrorism threats.

"Respect for each and every religion, heritage, language, culture, lifestyle and identity is how we Sabahans and Sarawakians manage to live harmoniously and peacefully. It must be promoted nationwide covering every human," Tangau stated.

He also added he is confident that the Minister of National Unity Dato Sri Aaron Ago anak Dagang and Director-General of the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) Dato' Hj. Che Roslan Bin Che Daud would do their best in setting up the three 24-hour hotlines and make Malaysia safer from violence and intense hatred.

“I am fully confident that the Madani Cabinet would support this idea as it is another

manifestation of the value 'respect',” he added.

He expressed his confidence in the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, and the Chairman of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din, agreeing that "instigation and abetting violence is the greatest threat to law and order and must be stamped down with no less seriousness than the ban of 3Rs (Race, Religion and Royalty)."