KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2: Member of Parliament for Klang, Ganabatirau Veraman raised several issues during the Dewan Rakyat sitting last week, calling for a thorough review of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2021 (SOSMA), a stop to the out-of-control “kuil haram” bashing in the social media, and the need for history textbooks to be more reflective of Malaysia’s real history, and inclusive of the respective communities’ contribution to the economic and social development of the country.
On SOSMA, he said the incident of a 16-year-old girl’s detention for nine days without trial under SOSMA was extremely disturbing and reflected a serious weakness in the country’s justice system. He said the girl should have never gone through such a trauma, let alone being placed with adult prisoners.
Reiterating his previous calls for a reform to ensure justice and democracy, he said: “In line with His Majesty’s instructions which emphasizes the need for transparent and effective institutions, it is time for SOSMA to be thoroughly reviewed. Laws must protect people, not make room for abuse of power.”
On the history textbooks, Ganabatirau said that there was no argument on Malay language being the national language and that this was fully supported.
“However, the strengthening of the Malay language must go hand in hand with the teaching of history that is fair, accurate and inclusive. History textbooks need to reflect the diversity of Malaysia, uplift the contributions of all races, and train the critical thinking of the younger generation; not just repeating one narrative.
“Unity is not built by getting rid of anyone, but in honesty of our shared history.”
On “kuil haram” – the claims of of temples being built illegally in the country and one that has become a subject of mockery and derision for some in the social media, he said there was a need to curb hate speech towards any religion and their places of worship in order to ensure the country’s and the people’s continued harmony.
“Comments mixed with hatred towards races and other religions, without facts and the basis of knowledge, show the failure of cultivating the continuous discourse of knowledge and mutual respect. Civic education and historical literacy need to be strengthened. I would like to reaffirm the stand that issues related to house of worship are inappropriate to be politicized or made a subject of racist sentiment. The order of His Majesty the King clearly reminds us to stay away from any actions that could cause the harmony of the people.”
He said everyone was law-bound, and the use of sentiment-infusing terms and hatred-infusing terms will only damage the unity of the plural society of the country.
He also pointed out that matters related to land status and due enforcement should be submitted to the authorities to be handled professionally and prudently.
— WE