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KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, today expressed his regret at the violence that took place on Monday at Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, stressing that the government does not take the troubles lightly.
Mahathir told Dewan Rakyat today that serious bodily harm to a firefighter and damage to public and private property by irresponsible rioters could not be taken lightly.
"As explained by the Minister of the Interior, what happened at the temple is a criminal act committed by irresponsible circles. The question of racism or religious conflict does not arise at all.
"In a criminal act, all those involved, directly or indirectly, or those who organize the incident, or those who attempt to take advantage of the situation, will face harsh action based on existing laws.
"The government does not take these incidents lightly, as this could lead to more serious problems involving peace and harmony between the races," he said.
Mahathir (PH-Langkawi) said that he had been informed of the latest developments of the incident investigations, as well as follow-up measures to be taken by the authorities.
"I am satisfied and I thank the police for acting to prevent the situation from spreading elsewhere. However, any action against anyone must be fair and equitable, "he said.
Mahathir said the country was now run by a government that had just taken the reins of management and that there were weaknesses that some neighborhoods would like to take advantage of.
However, Pakatan Harapan (PH) president said that this could be solved if the population understood the history of such incidents and did not rely on rumors.
"It is important for us to realize that the security and stability of the country is our shared responsibility. Let's work together to protect this peace.
"I urge all parties to take no action or make provocative statements that could lead to the dissatisfaction of others.
"Leave this matter to the authorities, and I ask everyone, whether in this chamber or even in the public, to exercise caution when issuing statements or sharing any other news of the incident.
"At this stage, many false and inaccurate information is already shared," he said.
Mahathir also urged politicians, as well as NGO leaders with special interests, not to aggravate the situation.
Although the government does not intend to restrict freedom of speech, he said he would not hesitate to act if what was said was false and threatened public safety .
"The government has promised not to impose restrictions on reporting and communication, but this freedom must be used responsibly and not fanning the flames, which could lead to division and jeopardize harmonious relations between breeds, "he said.
Mahathir added that this was not the time to play the blame game, claiming that those who were wrong would face the full force of the law.
"I want to emphasize that the government does not intend to blindly punish anyone, but that democracy has its limits and we need to understand these limits.
"Nobody can act as he wants, against the law, create anxiety among the population and unrest in the country.
"The right and freedom to speak does not mean that one can simply say something provocative towards the sensibilities of others."
He reiterated that the incident was not of a racial or religious nature, but a criminal act that should not be allowed to harm or harm relations between the different races of the country.
"I ask all Malaysians to stay calm and avoid getting involved in activities that can be a catalyst for instigation and incitement to hatred.
"If there are acts of provocation, the government will take strict measures against those who try to challenge the laws of the country.
"We must remember that this country is our responsibility," he added.
Following ministerial clarifications by Minister Mahathir and Minister of the Interior Muhyiddin Yassin, the emergency motions by Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) and Ronald Kiandee (BN- Beluran) to debate the issue in the lower house were rejected.
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