Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern reminder to all parties to refrain from exploiting opportunities to incite racial sentiments and sow seeds of hatred.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar’s senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, highlighted the Prime Minister’s awareness of malicious attempts by certain interest groups to create perceptions of “double standards” in enforcement actions. Anwar firmly refuted claims that the government remains silent when Islam is insulted, labeling such allegations as slanderous.

Tunku Nashrul provided examples of actions taken against those who insulted Islam, including comedian Harith Iskander and Cecelia Yap Song, who were fined RM10,000 each for uploading offensive content. Additionally, a company and a supplier faced fines of RM60,000 each for mocking the word “Allah” through the sale of socks. A grilled corn vendor was fined RM400 for posting a notice with a racial slur, and a man was sentenced to a fine of RM12,000 and a six-month jail term for mocking the word “Allah.”

He emphasized that investigations, prosecutions, and sentencing in these cases were conducted according to existing legal provisions, following the proper legal processes of the country. This serves as a strong message to all Malaysians to cease the culture of insulting any religion, culture, or race.

Tunku Nashrul urged Malaysians not to allow trivial matters to undermine the nation’s strength and uniqueness, especially at a time when the country is on a promising growth trajectory.