Provocateurs Stirring Racial Tension, Says Ramanan

PUTRAJAYA, March 9 (Bernama) -- PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan today revealed the existence of individuals allegedly acting as provocateurs to incite racial tension in the country.

Ramanan, who is also Human Resources Minister, said the matter would be brought to the Cabinet to ensure appropriate action is taken.

He said such irresponsible acts could not be allowed to continue as they appeared to exploit the fate and future of more than 33 million Malaysians for certain agendas.

“Provocative actions, particularly on social media and in public places in recent times, are very worrying. Issues that initially appear small are sensationalised and turned into racial sentiments that could trigger tension,” he told a special press conference here today.

Also present were PKR Central Leadership Council (MPP) members A. Kumaresan and Dr Gunaraj George, Kelantan PKR chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor and Terengganu PKR chairman Dr Zainudin Awang @ Omar.

Ramanan said certain individuals were believed to have been hired as agents of provocation to trigger racial conflict, adding that authorities needed to identify those financing such activities.

“Our country has laws. If there are issues, follow the proper channels, lodge a police report and let the courts decide,” he said.

He said the country’s positive economic performance under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was being manipulated by certain parties through provocations aimed at stirring racial tension and undermining national unity.

“When the country’s economy is doing well, unemployment is low at around 2.9 per cent and the ringgit is strengthening, some parties without political capital resort to playing up racial issues to create unrest,” he said.

Ramanan said Malaysians have long practised resolving differences through dialogue and discussion rather than violence or taking the law into their own hands.

“Do not think that a few individuals can hold 33 million Malaysians hostage to their personal agenda. The government will not remain silent,” he said, warning the provocateurs to immediately stop their actions.

-- BERNAMA