Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he supports all efforts by the police to quell any attempt to cause trouble and trigger disharmony in Malaysia.
In a Facebook statement posted in the early hours of this morning, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman also reminded “desperate and selfish parties” not to fan the flames of chaos at this critical time for the country.
“I am concerned to see a handful of desperate and selfish parties fanning the flames of racist sentiment and rhetoric at a crucial time like this.
“Efforts and endeavours to establish a government that is responsible and stable should not end in chaos because the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Sabah and Sarawak tribes are part of the brotherhood of humanity and Malaysians that love peace.
“I very much welcome the stern statement by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani in seeking to stop any development that could threaten the unity of Malaysia,” he said in the brief statement.
Last night, police warned social media users not to share posts that could threaten public safety and order.
Acryl Sani said the police had found social media content with racial or religious sentiments and insults towards the royal institution in apparent reaction to the inconclusive 15th general election (GE15) results and ongoing efforts to form a government.
“PDRM, in calling for restraint, is warning social media users to refrain from abusing the platform to spread provocative content that may cause public alarm.
“Strict action under the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998, (and also) the Sedition Act and Penal Code will be used against any party trying to create a situation that threatens public safety and order,” he said in a statement tonight.
The 15th general election ended on Saturday with both the PH and Perikatan Nasional coalitions claiming to have enough numbers in the 222-seat Parliament to form government.
PH currently has 82 seats while PN has 73. The Barisan Nasional coalition, which had pushed for national polls to be held this year ahead of the GE14 expiry next year, only garnered 30 seats.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has given prospective prime minister candidates a revised deadline of 2pm today to prove that they have a majority.
Anwar Extends Olive Branch to Abang Johari
Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reached out to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to invite GPS to be part of the unity government he plans to form in Putrajaya.
Anwar said he had reached out to Abang Johari today and explained why aligning with PH would be a better option for Sarawak, as opposed to Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“Yes, I reached out to Abang Johari through our trusted representatives and explained why we are better partners for Sarawak and also Sabah,” Anwar told The Vibes briefly when contacted.
“We have a deep respect for Sarawak and its people and we understand their struggles and needs.
“Sarawak and Sabah just want to be treated fairly and PH can offer that,” a online news site reported Anwar saying.
He said PH can ensure Sarawak and Sabah enter into a true partnership that will ensure the people there are treated equitably.
“Sarawak and Sabah are often paid lip service for their support but I’ve assured that with PH they will not be taken for granted,” Anwar added.
He said what is best for multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies like in Borneo is a coalition like PH that is representative of a multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.
“PH champions equitable treatment of all groups while preserving the enshrined Constitutional rights and privileges of Malays and Islam, as well as the rights of other communities.”
He said he is now waiting for the Premier’s response.
“I consider him a friend. I am looking forward to speaking or meeting him soon,” he said.
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