At a time when Malaysians have been frustrated at the government’s lack decisive response and tough actions against instigators and extremists , Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib has made a most surprising and disappointing proposal to deal with the instigators and extremists.
“Do not give these extremists the publicity they crave. We don’t have to condemn them, just ignore them. Don’t give them the airtime or publicity,” he said on Tuesday.
Over the last few years, extremists have been threatening and the racial and religious harmony in the country by their provocative voices and acts.
Najib has chosen to remain silent instead of publicly denouncing them. The enforcement authorities too have not been swift and tough against the extremists.
A case in point is the way the government dealt with the slew of offences committed by the self styled Council of Islamic NGOs when they staged the demonstration on January 6th.
It is plain enough that among their offences included the incitement of another May 13 riots and criminal intimidation against me.
Yet, Home Minister Datuk Zahid Hamidi gave his irresponsible response when he said that the “cash reward to slap me” made by the group was not a threat.
His ridiculous and incredible explanation was, “If they issued a death threat, then it would be a threat. Slapping is not”.
Police has also attracted widespread criticisms when they failed to act swiftly against the culprits.
Can Najib tell Malaysians if they should just ignore such and many other provocative voices and acts?
Let me remind Najib that it is the responsibility of the government to act swiftly and harshly against extremists and instigators who are fanning racial and religious hatred and challenging the rule of law.
A Prime Minister cannot abdicate his leadership responsibilities.
In a recent interview with Malaysiakini’s Kini Biz, former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuudin has said:-
For the first time in history, people are looking seriously at the political situation here — seriously looking at it. They want to know what’s happening. And if you see foreigners writing (about Malaysia), they’re beginning to doubt the stability of the country.
I think what they want to see is strong leadership. And they perceive that there isn’t one.
It is time that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib must show that he is a capable leader who can and is prepared to act swiftly and harshly against extremists and instigators.