Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged for decisive action to be taken against insults directed at Islam and the institution of the Malay Rulers, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity of the religion, uphold the authority of state institutions, and maintain national harmony. He expressed concerns over the increasing unease within the Malay community, as these core societal pillars face open attacks that stir public sensitivities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, highlighted specific concerns such as insults against the word Allah, jokes mocking halal matters, objections to the azan (Islamic call to prayer), and disrespect towards the institution of the Malay Rulers. Speaking at the Musyawarah Nasional (National Discourse) themed "Malay Unease: What Is the Solution?", he emphasized that Islam and the Malay Rulers are central to national sovereignty, and any disturbance to these pillars should not be taken lightly.
The founder of Musyawarah Nasional further asserted the importance of respecting freedom of speech, while cautioning against using it as an excuse to insult religion or undermine national harmony. Ahmad Zahid proposed a review and strengthening of the country's legal framework to meet current challenges and address the unease extending beyond religion and royalty to economic, educational, national unity, and political issues.
On economic matters, he pointed out that despite being the largest group of consumers and workers, the Malay community lacks significant asset ownership. He emphasized the need for asset ownership, market control, and access to future economic opportunities, moving beyond mere aid or subsidies.
In terms of education, he called for addressing the mismatch between graduate qualifications and industry needs, stressing the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a means for social mobility. He noted that a significant percentage of higher education graduates are employed in jobs that do not match their qualifications, highlighting the misalignment between education and industry demands.
Ahmad Zahid also addressed the need to strengthen national unity amidst rising racial sentiments and social media prejudices that threaten social harmony. He pointed out that issues of language, identity, and national heritage often lead to unrest, from debates over heritage food to narratives that fail to emphasize Malay-Islamic roots.
Furthermore, he called for a return to unity, civility, and strategy in Malay politics to ensure the community's strength in determining the nation's future. He warned against the detrimental effects of political grudges and power struggles, urging for a focus on strategic unity to maintain political influence and secure the community's future.