QURAN DESECRATION: ARTISTES URGE CALM, TRUST LEGAL PROCESS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- The culture of passing judgment before investigations are completed and acting based on emotions, particularly in issues involving religious sensitivities, should not be normalised in a society that upholds the principles of justice and the rule of law, said two local entertainment industry players..

Instead, they said confidence should be placed in the authorities to conduct thorough, transparent, and lawful investigations, including into the Quran desecration incident in Kuantan.

Describing the anger towards religious insults as an understandable reaction, actor-director Datuk Afdlin Shauki and actor Rozaidi Jamil, however, believed that reckless actions or being easily provoked by assuming the government is not taking action will only worsen the situation and threaten national stability.

Afdlin said that, as Malaysians, all parties must uphold the principles of justice and respect the legal process, especially given the sensitivity of religious issues and the need for a wise approach.

“Enforcement actions are not necessarily announced publicly. However, every investigation is conducted in accordance with strict legal procedures to ensure justice is served. Just because one does not see harsh statements or overt actions does not mean no investigation is being carried out.

“If those governing the country all follow their emotions, the national administration would be in shambles because decisions would be made based on anger. I believe firm action will be taken, but it must be done carefully (with sufficient evidence). We want justice, not just temporary satisfaction,” said the comedian.

He added that as Malaysians, all parties should uphold the principles of justice and respect the legal process, emphasising that religious matters are not ordinary issues but must be handled with care and prudence.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously urged all parties to leave the matter entirely to the authorities and refrain from making speculations or statements that could affect public harmony.

Anwar said allegations that the government has failed to take action regarding the Quran-stepping incident are unfounded, as the authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation in accordance with the laws in place.

Accordingly, Afdlin stressed the importance of maintaining harmony in a multi-religious country and called on the people not to let emotions dictate their actions when dealing with matters involving religious and racial sensitivities, including the Quran-desecration incident.

“I am also angry. I am also hurt. As a Muslim and a Malaysian, the issue of religious insult is no small matter. It touches our dignity, our faith, and our self-worth.

“Malaysia is a multi-religious nation. However, the perception that the government is slow to act on the incident must be evaluated fairly and based on facts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rozaidi, better known as Zed Zaidi, said that in the current social media era, the spread of unverified information could significantly impact national unity and stability.

He said it is crucial for the people to provide space for the authorities to conduct professional and transparent investigations, rather than expecting the government to immediately punish or act without waiting for the investigation process to be finalised.

“We must defend the principles of justice and respect the legal process. Accusing without proof not only fails to help but can damage the unity that has long been built,” he said.

On Feb 25, a Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) student was detained to assist in investigations for allegedly insulting Islam on social media by stepping on the Quran. As of yesterday, 28 police reports have been lodged nationwide regarding the case.

Kuantan Police Chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah said the remand for the 21-year-old man, which expired yesterday, has been extended until March 3 following instructions from the Public Prosecutor to complete the investigation.

-- BERNAMA