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UNITY Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has urged the authorities to take strong and decisive action against several individuals, including preacher Zamri Vinoth, for allegedly spreading provocative content that touches on sensitive issues related to race, religion, and royalty (3R) on social media.
The minister stressed such behaviour is harmful to societal harmony and goes against the principles of national unity.
"I wish to stress that the actions of several netizens – specifically Vijayan Savarinathan, Zamri Vinoth (pic, below), Saravanan Sanmugom, Crime_Man (a TikTok user), and others – who have spread provocative and insulting statements, demean other religions, and touch on 3R sensitivities, are unacceptable," the minister said.
In a statement issued yesterday, Aaron called on both the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take immediate action against individuals responsible for spreading insulting and inflammatory remarks online.
He reiterated, "I urge the police and MCMC to act swiftly against these individuals who have disseminated such irresponsible content."
Aaron called for strict enforcement under multiple provisions of the law, including Section 298 (offensive acts against religion), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace), Section 505 (incitement), and Section 233 (improper use of network facilities or services) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He emphasised that these legal actions are crucial to maintaining the safety and harmony of Malaysian society.
“It is essential that the authorities take these actions to ensure the peace and unity of the community is preserved,” he said.
The minister issued a warning to all Malaysians of the importance of using the virtual space responsibly.
"It is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that the virtual space is used wisely and does not create division or tension within society. Irresponsible actions that insult religion and racial sensitivities are a threat to the peace and harmony of the country," he said.
Aaron stressed that such provocative actions, which disregard the feelings of other religions and races, can severely damage the harmony of Malaysia, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.
In response to these challenges, Aaron reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to promote national unity.
He highlighted the ministry’s continued implementation of the Speak Good-Good (Cakap Baik-Baik) Campaign which is designed to foster national integration through understanding, respect, and acceptance.
“Through various initiatives and programmes, the ministry aims to educate Malaysians about respecting diverse cultures and religions, ensuring that the principles of harmony are upheld.
"Provocative actions that undermine the feelings of other religions and races can have a lasting negative impact on the harmony of our country. We must all strive for respect and tolerance in our shared spaces," Aaron said, adding, the call for action marks a strong stance against online hate speech, reinforcing the importance of maintaining social harmony and unity in a diverse society like Malaysia. – March 6, 2025