For the DPM to imply that there are “certain people” who do not understand what he had said is insulting the intelligence of Malaysians capable of reading between the lines said the Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia, Manivannan Rethinam. He added, he also failed to understand why DPM chose to wait six days after the controversy erupted before explaining himself?

Utusan had reported Muhyiddin’s “reminder” in the context of worsening ethnic relations because Malays and Islam were under siege from alleged attacks by non-Malays and non-Muslims.  If this is not a veiled threat that what is it he asked?

Having said that, if DPM’s speech had been ‘manipulated’, then the culprit is none other than Utusan Malaysia. Utusan quoted “As deputy prime minister, every night before I sleep I think about how to manage the country. There are people who sent me text messages (asking) what will happen to the Malays? Why is Islam being insulted? And other similar issues. Why are these things happening and it is worrying. We all must return to the right path. Place religion as the pillar of our strength as Muslims, as well as our (Malay) culture and customs,” Muhyiddin said.”

Utusan’s reported clearly that DPM, whether intentional or otherwise, was singling out non-Malays and non-Muslims as the alleged perpetrators when he referred to a possible recurrence of May 13 “Ini boleh menyebabkan peristiwa tersebut dan saya tidak mahu sebut tarikh itu “.

He further added If Utusan misreported, then I call upon our PM YAB Najib Razak to convince Malaysians that Utusan does not enjoy full legal immunity by taking stern action against the editors and reporters involved for their irresponsible reporting and in addition Utusan should be asked to make a formal apology for its “erroneous” reporting.

Manivannan who is also the Vice Chairman of MIC National Information, reiterate, we need to put an end to any references to “May 13″ incident by unscrupulous fear-mongering extremist and make a stand that anybody that threatens with “May 13″ must be regarded as anti-national, regardless of race and religion. It is the responsibility of all Malaysians to take a firm stand against divisive forces that can tear apart our social fabric and cause disunity. We must reject the racial and religious extremists who incite racial and religious hatred, tension and conflicts.

We must stand together to rise above politics and unite as Malaysians in working towards building our multi-racial nation into a United Malaysian (Malays, Chinese, Indians and others who detest racism and bigotry).

I would like end by saying what is morally wrong cannot be religiously or politically correct, we are first and foremost, Malaysians.

Stand Up, Speak Out and Unite as Malaysians. Let’s promote peace and unity!

MANIVANNAN RETHINAM, A.M.P.
Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia