KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today warned Asean nations that unfettered racism could lead to racial genocide, amid increased communal friction in Malaysia.
The home minister said that while racism was largely isolated, there was a risk that it could be incorporated into other more dangerous ideologies.
"Racism happens in small groups here but issues like radicalism, militancy and extremism are more widespread.
"We are worried if racism is not curbed at early stages, ethnic cleansing would happen like in several countries. This must be avoided," he told reporters today after chairing an Asean meeting.
Ahmad Zahid added that most leaders around the world were on board with combating racism and have made it among their top priorities.
"I hope by what is done by Asean leaders here in this meeting and the speeches given in the New York meeting, you can see how all countries are committed in combating not just racism but militancy and radicalism," he added referring to the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
Ahmad Zahid’s warning comes after heightened communal tension in Malaysia, following a rally on September 16 ostensibly to “uphold Malay dignity” when protesters expressed hostility towards the country’s ethnic Chinese community.
The so-called #Merah169 rally was also marred by incidents of racism, including insults such as “Cina babi (Chinese pigs)” being used by protesters.
Police were forced to use water cannons to prevent protesters from entering Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, during the pro-government rally that was attended by tens of thousands of Malays garbed in red shirts.
Concerns about possible unrest were heightened when one of the leaders of the rally, Sungau Besar Umno division chief Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, warned of another rally and possible riot at Petaling Street.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak previously defended the #Merah169 rally that was organised to counter the Bersih 4 rally for institutional reforms, which appeared to be mostly attended by the Chinese, and was quoted as saying by Bernama that the “Malays also have rights” after being “slapped” four times.
