PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) has warned Malaysians abroad against publicly insulting the religions of others.
“Insulting the religions of others, belittling other people's cultures, tearing off the pages of the Al-Quran and using it as a toilet paper … this is an insult. This act is ‘kurang ajar’ (very rude),” he said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, added that freedom of expression does not mean insulting the beliefs of others.
“I have asked the IGP (Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar) to use whatever power there is to deal with this rude individual, even if it was committed abroad.
“This individual knows he can do this abroad as he is in a country that will not take action against him.
“But what he has done has crossed the line, and this ministry will not compromise on this matter. Action will be taken. While we celebrate differences in opinions, we still hold on to our ethics and we must respect the religions and beliefs of others,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid, in his speech at his ministry’s 2015 Innovation Day here on Tuesday.
Although he did not name anyone specifically, Dr Ahmad Zahid’s comments are understood to be about to a recent Facebook post by controversial sex blogger Alvin Tan.
Khalid, who was also at the event, told reporters later that action would be taken against Tan, although he did not elaborate further.
“Stop giving this ‘beruk’ (monkey) the publicity, that is what he wants,” said Khalid
