KUALA LUMPUR: “Do not force the Government to take action” – that is the stern warning from the Prime Minister to those who cause tension in the society by organising activities on religious issues.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he had earlier issued a statement that such activities should be stopped immediately so that everybody would understand that if they continued to play up religious issues, it could lead to an uneasy situation.
The Cabinet, he said, had on Wednesday issued a directive to everyone, including the media, to avoid religious issues that could create tension.
“We have discussed this matter and the Cabinet made the decision as I have announced, so that the Government will not be forced to take action,” he said.
Asked whether the Government has any plans to use the Internal Security Act against those who continued with such activities, he said: “So far, I don't want to rush to talk about this matter (ISA). These people should know what is expected of them.”
On whether he would meet with the Article 11, the umbrella body of 13 non-governmental organisations, Abdullah said: “I will have to find an appropriate time.”
After the Umno supreme council meeting on Tuesday, Abdullah had asked that the Article 11 group immediately stop activities related to interfaith issues as it was deemed to cause tension among the multi-religious community.
On Saturday, Article 11 had held a forum to discuss constitutional issues pertaining to fundamental rights of Malaysians in Johor Baru. Article 11 in the Federal Constitution refers to the freedom of religion
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