It was reported in today’s media that at least eight gravestones at a Christian cemetery in Tanjung Api near Kuantan were damaged by vandals. Most have its structures broken including crosses using a heavy tool.
Such irresponsible acts must be condemned and swift police actions are needed to bring the culprits to book.
Although it has yet to be established if the vandalism was related to “Allah is Great, Jesus is the son of Allah” banners found outside churches in Penang, there will be the unavoidable suspicion that this could be the act of religious extremists or racial bigots amid the present religious and racial tensions in the country.
In this connection, the federal government has the utmost and urgent responsibility to douse the tensions.
Pakatan Rakyat has in recent weeks called for a dialogue between the top leadership of both BN and PR to discuss ways to resolve the rising tensions as well to work out a blueprint for national reconciliation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri has yesterday given a positive response by saying that the federal government is open to holding talks with all parties to promote national reconciliation, unlike the Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin who still prefers to play politics amid rising racial and religious tensions in the country.
2 days ago, Khairy Jamaluddin said the racial tension started because of Pakatan Rakyat’s failure in handling the Allah issue in Selangor. He was quoted as saying “Settle it first, then only we can talk”.
It is irresponsible for him to put the blame on the Selangor government when the fact is that the Cabinet‘s approved 10 point solution was not able to resolve the issue. It is disappointing that he cannot rise above party politics at a time when bi partisan cooperation is needed in the nation’s interest.
Nevertheless, what is important is for the Prime Minister to arrange a dialogue date as soon as possible with Pakatan Rakyat leaders so that the rising religious and racial tensions can be quickly doused and a national reconciliation blueprint be worked out.