DEBAK: The public in this state is reminded to remain unaffected by the extremist actions of external parties that may jeopardise interethnic harmony.
In light of the recent incident at a KK Mart variety store on Satok Road, where a bottle containing kerosene, akin to a ‘Molotov Cocktail’, was thrown, Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, attributed it to external influence.
He mentioned that this was the third incident involving KK Mart, following the controversy surrounding the sale of stockings that bore the Arabic word for Allah.
According to the police, on March 26, a branch of the variety store in Bidor, Perak was attacked with a petrol bomb at approximately 5 am.
The second incident occurred on March 30 at KK Super Mart in Sungai Isap, Kuantan Pahang, at 5:40 am.
“Therefore, I believe the incident in Sarawak is a consequence of being influenced by external events.
“Furthermore, I sincerely hope that this incident does not reflect the true sentiments of the people in this region who have been living harmoniously with diversity.
“Hence, we should not be swayed by the extremist actions of certain external parties that seek to create divisions,” he emphasized after attending the Muslim breaking of the fast organised by the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Saribas Branch, today.
He emphasised the importance of the community’s ability to discern between various actions.
“Engaging in extreme actions and provocations is highly detrimental as it disrupts harmony. That is why I stress that every problem has a solution.
“Moreover, our country has laws in place. We never used to witness incidents like this before, so why are they occurring now?
“We possess the wisdom to engage in meaningful discussions, and our laws are capable of resolving issues that contradict our cultural traditions.
“I firmly believe that the Malaysian people can become a united and accommodating society,” he said.
The Saribas Assemblyman further noted that the issue at hand would be thoroughly discussed, particularly within the Social Development Council (MPS).
“We have a range of programs that prioritize solidarity and aim to preserve interethnic and interreligious unity.
“Simultaneously, we strive to raise awareness regarding such issues while collaborating with relevant ministries and agencies to address problems that contradict our cultural traditions,” he added.
He expressed his hope that various inaccurate speculations would not exacerbate the issue.
Member of Parliament for Betong, Dr Richard Rapu, and the District Officer of Debak, Muhammad Hafiz Kepli, were also present at the event.
