Kuala Lumpur, February 17, 2025 – The recent controversy surrounding a racist hawker has sparked widespread reactions from the public and national leaders. Activist and human rights advocate, Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan, has expressed his appreciation for all perspectives shared by Malaysians on this matter and urged for firm action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
> “I deeply appreciate the views and concerns raised by the public regarding this issue. Racism cannot be taken lightly, and we all share the responsibility of ensuring that racial harmony is maintained. This incident is not just about one individual; it affects the image of our nation, which stands firmly against all forms of discrimination.”
Call for Firm Action
Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan also supported calls for strict measures against the hawker who displayed a racially offensive notice at his stall. He emphasized that this is not just a matter of racial sensitivity but also a legal issue that must be addressed.
> “This issue cannot be ignored. If left unchecked, it can create divisions and undermine the harmony we have worked hard to build. I urge the authorities, particularly the Ministry of National Unity and relevant agencies, to take strong action and ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.”
Minister of Religious Affairs: Be Mindful of Racial Sensitivities
Meanwhile, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Na’im Mokhtar, reminded Malaysians to be more cautious with their words and actions to preserve racial sensitivities.
> “We must be careful with our speech and actions. Racial sensitivity is a very delicate issue. Mutual respect is key to maintaining harmony in our society.”
He added that he had yet to receive a full report on the incident and would comment further once more details were available.
Reactions from Leaders and the Public
This incident has drawn strong reactions from various parties, including MIC Deputy President, M Saravanan, who expressed his shock and urged the government to act swiftly.
> “We cannot allow this issue to persist. It does not reflect the views of the entire Malay community, but rather a small group of extremists. If the government does not act quickly, it could have serious repercussions on national unity.”
The Minister of National Unity, Aaron Ago Dagang, also condemned the hawker’s actions and assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address racism in the country.
Unity as a Priority
During the Madani Unity Gathering for Chinese New Year 2025 in Klang, the Minister of Religious Affairs emphasized that unity among races remains a top priority in building a progressive and harmonious Malaysia.
> “The Madani government is committed to strengthening all efforts towards unity and cohesion. Government agencies will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the nation’s harmony is safeguarded.”
As part of ongoing efforts to promote racial harmony, various programs were organized in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Islamic agencies. While the event initially included a traditional Yee Sang tossing ceremony as a symbol of goodwill, the activity was later removed from the official schedule due to program updates.
Conclusion
Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan reminded Malaysians that it is crucial to unite against discrimination. He stressed that while firm action is necessary, educating the public about the importance of mutual respect is equally vital.
> “I will continue to advocate for justice and stand against racism in all its forms. We are all Malaysians, and we must work together to build a harmonious and united nation.”