KPT WON'T COMPROMISE UNCIVILISED ACTS LIKE INSULTING RELIGION - ZAMBRY

NILAI, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) will not compromise with any party, particularly students, who engage in uncivilised acts, including insulting Islam or other religions in this country.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, said that the ministry views such actions seriously and stern action will be taken against those involved, in accordance with the law and the regulations of higher education institutions.

“This is a matter of principle; we will not compromise on such uncivilised behaviour - insulting religion, let alone acts like stepping on the Quran and so on. We are not looking to inflame the issue, but the fundamental principle must be known.

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“But at the same time, we must leave the next steps or actions to the authorities... currently, he (the student) is in police custody and they will inform us of further actions,” he told reporters after the Ramadan Journey and USIM Grand Iftar here today.

Two days ago, a student from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) was detained to assist in an investigation for allegedly insulting Islam on social media. This followed a viral image of an adult male's foot stepping on a Quran and a screenshot of a post by an individual alleged to be the UMPSA student.

In the meantime, Zambry said every individual, including students, must understand the boundaries of sensitivity and preserve the harmony that has been built over a long period.

“Higher education institutions do not belong to any specific race or group. They are shared spaces that gather students from various backgrounds; therefore, the value of mutual respect must always be nurtured and practiced,” he said.

He added that any action that triggers provocation or offends others could not only invite controversy but also potentially undermine unity within society.

-- BERNAMA