PETALING JAYA, Feb 18 ― Political analysts and politicians have called for a united effort to stop incidents that could threaten racial harmony.

Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof P. Siva Muragan said the call by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to implement the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to curb racial disunity was welcomed.

“It is good that the people are informed about this to ensure such incidents would not take place in the future,” he said.

Siva said some people have misunderstood the concept of freedom of speech.

“There should be sacrifices and compromise for the people to achieve a high level of tolerance. To reach the final level of unity, people must move from tolerance to acceptance,” he said.

Geopolitical analyst from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Prof Dr Mohd Fuad Mat Jali commended Khalid’s move.

“The police should be firm and handle it swiftly as these issues may disturb the harmony of the nation. Sosma is a good method to curb this menace,” he said.

He said the emotions and rage were evident on social media.

“To live in a tolerant society, people should not question sensitive issues and respect each other, regardless of faith and beliefs,” he said.

UKM political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff said the people are free to express their opinion or criticise the powers-that-be but racial and religious matters should be treated carefully.

“We need to be able to accept different views as long as it is used in the context of constitutional law,” he said.

The latest incident to stroke racial disharmony was after a piece of meat, believed to be pork, was thrown into a mosque’s compound in Penang on Sunday.

Gerik MP Datuk Hasbullah Osman said disunity may take place if the hate-crime was not dealt with immediately.

“I strongly believe the necessary actions and measures should be implemented before any racial disunity takes place,” he said.

However, Teluk Intan MP M. Manogaran disagreed on the implementation of Sosma on individuals who touched on racial or religious sentiments.

“The police and politicians underestimate the maturity of the public who are able to openly discuss sensitive issues without inciting hatred,” he said.

The DAP leader said the recent string of events have been exploited by certain people for their own motives and

advantage.

“We should not oppress the people from discussing sensitive issues and sweep it under the carpet,” he said.