Teo (front, fourth left) with the LDP Api Api, Likas and Luyang division leaders as well as delegates.
PENAMPANG: There is a need to formulate a new law to stem the polarisation that is taking place in the country, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary general Datuk Teo Chee Kang said.
Teo, who is also the Special Task Minister, said that such a law is needed to specifically deal with offences that are threatening racial and religious harmony among citizens.
Speaking at the LDP Api-Api, Likas and Luyang joint annual general meeting here yesterday, Teo was of the opinion that polarisation in the country has been growing worse since 2008.
“To prevent the present religious and racial polarisation from going out of control, I urge the government to pass a new law, which could be called the National Harmony Act or Racial Harmony Act or whatever else, so that things do not go out of control,” he stressed.
Teo also said the country can be clearly seen as being divided into two parts and the situation not only resulted in political rifts but also religious and racial polarisation, adding that many sensitive issues touching on religion and race had been exploited by irresponsible people for political mileage or other reasons only known to them.
Among them was Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali, he said, who had called for the burning of Bibles with the word ‘Allah’ in them and the notorious couple Alvin and Vivian who posted a picture in the social media wishing the people “Selamat berbuka puasa dengan bak kut teh” (Happy breaking of fast with bah kut teh).
Teo also called on those claiming to be championing the interests of a race or religion to stop making more hurtful statements as the people had already spoken loudly through the ballot boxes during the 13th General Election that they wanted to see changes in the country.
“It was the toughest ever general election for Barisan Nasional (BN) and we know this since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had personally said this several times,” he said.
Furthermore, Teo also said the LDP and BN should not bury their heads in the sand like ostriches and continue ignoring the call for change.
“What I am saying is that changes can be made from within the government itself,” he said.