Say no to extremism, Sim urges all Malaysians

2026-03-10 - 08:54

DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim (left) said all parties must play their part in bringing down the temperature, particularly by putting a stop to sowing hatred or division. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim has called on Malaysians to reject all forms of extremism and racial or religious provocation. Sim, who is also DAP deputy secretary-general, said it was time to put a stop to any act of violence or religious provocation that threatened the country’s harmony. The entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister also urged the police to take firm action against those responsible for such acts, regardless of who they were. “The police must act immediately and firmly against all perpetrators, no matter who they are. “Whether for stepping on the Quran or Hindu religious symbols, instigating the demolition of temples, committing vandalism, or burning vehicles, they must face the harshest legal action. “All Malaysians must unite in this issue – say no to agent provocateurs, say no to extremism,” Sim said in a Facebook post. The Bukit Mertajam MP added that, at a time of global instability, Malaysians must focus on strengthening the country’s economy for everyone’s wellbeing. Sim said all parties must play their part in bringing down the temperature, particularly by putting a stop to sowing hatred or division. He added that he would raise the matter at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. Earlier, national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang urged the police to take decisive action against those involved in three recent incidents seen as a threat to Malaysia’s racial and religious harmony. The incidents were the alleged arson of three vehicles belonging to an activist known as Cikgu Chandra; a man’s alleged act of stepping on and damaging the Trishul, a sacred Hindu symbol; and an alleged attack on controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth. So far, police have arrested six people over the alleged attack on Zamri. Four of them turned themselves in this morning and had been remanded for two days. DAP’s Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan also condemned the alleged act involving the Trishul, saying he viewed the incident as equally serious as the desecration of the Quran last month. He said in a multiracial and multi-religious society, harmony must be preserved and any act that could spark racial or religious tension must be avoided. “Any insult and religious provocation, regardless of which religion it involves, should be dealt with firmly by the authorities. Issues involving land use and houses of worship built without following regulations do not in any way justify actions like this,” said the DAP vice-chairman in a statement.