OPINION: The parable of the boy who cried wolf barely scratches the surface of the government’s relentless warnings against those who incite fear and racial hatred -- a ritual so rehearsed it raises deeper questions about credibility and intent.
In truth, the government has perfected the art of crying danger: issuing warning after warning, yet taking little or no action against the perpetrators, who remain curiously ‘protected’ by the state to advance its religious agenda.
Six months after taking office in 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a final warning to “extremists” who play up the 3R issues of race, royalty, and religion.
He said the police and the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are continuing to monitor the alleged extremists, and no party will escape legal action.
“The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police will monitor everyone without exception. It is not an issue whether the extremist is a Malay, is of high stature, or speaks in Mandarin or Tamil.
“If the laws and regulations are violated, if the Constitution is challenged and the seeds of discord are sown; the consensus is, not only in the government or within the party, but even in discussions in the Conference of Rulers – that the country must be saved from those who are so desperate to hold onto power that they are willing to sacrifice the people’s interests and bring chaos and disunity,” he said.
What followed was that the MCMC was selective in its actions, closing both eyes to the activities of those who spewed hatred on social media. While they were quick on the draw on those who make offensive statements about one religion, they conveniently ignored the remarks made against other religions.
Such double standards, of course, led to the proliferation of abusive, toxic, and noxious comments.
Last year, it was yet another warning from Anwar who declared that authorities “must take action against those fanning flames, regardless of status”.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) joined the chorus, warning against “improper flag displays” and public vigilantism. Two days later, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang announced cabinet approval for “firm action against irresponsible politicians”.
The target was Umno Youth firebrand and its leader Dr Akmal Salleh, who turned a molehill into a mountain with his rantings over an improperly displayed flag. This led to the rise of “flag vigilantes” who scouted the nation for similar displays.
This was not all, Akmal posted a picture of himself with a samurai sword, which a reasonable man would believe was a threat of sorts.
Then came a “people pleaser” – Akmal was detained at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport for investigations under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after which he was taken to the Kota Kinabalu District Police headquarters (IPD) for questioning and recording of his statement.
In a statement, the IGP said police have received two reports so far against Akmal in connection with the recent controversy involving the sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah' at a KK Mart outlet in Selangor.
But Anwar butted in, claiming Akmal was merely being questioned by police, contrary to claims by the Umno Youth chief that he had been detained earlier today.
Again, he reminded the public against using the controversy surrounding the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” to instigate others, saying the government would not compromise on 3R (race, religion, and royalty) issues.
Last August, Akmal was charged at the magistrates’ court here over a Facebook post tied to the Jalur Gemilang row.
The charge, brought under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, accuses Akmal of making statements likely to cause public fear or alarm. It pertains to a video posted on his Facebook account on Aug 11.
Last Saturday, Anwar’s warning continued – this time a “stern” warning to those intending to take part in a rally later in the day against so-called “illegal” houses of worship, saying they must respect the law and not disrupt public safety.
Anwar said while Malaysians are free to voice opinions and criticise the government, any action that violates the law or stokes racial tensions will be met with “maximum action”.
“Arrest them and throw them out,” he said in a speech at the party’s Selangor chapter convention.
Even as Anwar’s words echoed, the flames of hatred on social media were fed with fresh vitriol -- and they continue to burn unchecked. The MCMC, self-styled guardian of online discourse, has stood conspicuously still, leaving the impression that it is either powerless, partisan, or simply following orders.
This vacuum of enforcement has emboldened religious fanatics. Each time they cross the red line without reprimand, they grow bolder, louder, and more aggressive. What should have been a firewall against extremism has instead become a stage for their unchecked bravado.
The government’s warnings ring hollow when the loudest voices of division are not silenced but amplified. Figures like Zamri Vinoth, Firdaus Wong, and Ridhuan Tee have built careers on stoking religious superiority and vilifying minorities, yet they remain untouched by the very laws brandished against others.
Their sermons, videos, and public appearances continue to spread toxic narratives under the convenient shield of “protection,” reinforcing the perception that selective enforcement is not a flaw but a feature of the state’s agenda.
This is the true parable: not of a boy crying wolf, but of a government crying danger while feeding the wolves at its own doorstep.
Until the authorities confront these protected provocateurs with the same zeal they reserve for opposition politicians and ordinary citizens, every “stern warning” will remain nothing more than theatre—an endless performance of outrage masking complicity.
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