KUCHING: A total of 47 unity issues related to 3R (religion, royalty and race) were recorded by the e-Sepakat system in the first quarter of this year.
These involved religious issues as well as statements mixed with hatred and racism.
In a statement National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the number was found to have increased by 123 per cent compared to the same period last year, where the system recorded 21 such issues.
The e-Sepakat system implemented by the National Unity and National Integration Department (JPNIN) is the main data collection centre for the management of unity issues and a mechanism for tracking, monitoring and reporting the issue digitally.
He said reports on racial fights recorded by the police numbered 162 cases across the country with the highest cases in Johor at 53 cases, Selangor (34 cases) and Penang (23 cases).
In addition to this, he stated that a total of 1,454 contents related to 3R were downloaded from social media platforms from January to March 31 this year, recorded by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), containing racial hatred (588 cases); religious hate speech (727) and royal institution hate speech (139).
“As a country with diverse backgrounds, respect and tolerance should be at a high level. This attitude needs to be embraced by every layer of society at every level,” he said.
“Therefore, it is a must for each of us to understand the culture, language, religion and way of life of each race in this country.
“When we understand each other, the space for mutual acceptance and tolerance will open wider and the gap between races can be reduced.”
Indirectly, he said, this can foster a spirit of unity in society.
“We all need to remember, each of us is responsible and plays a role in maintaining the harmony, sovereignty, peace and security of our beloved country,” he added.
