Motion against Macron's statement debated in Parliament's special chamber

KUALA LUMPUR: Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar today tabled a motion proposing that the government take firm action and strongly protest against the statement made by French President Emmanuel Macron which contains elements of Islamophobia on the pretext of freedom of speech.

He also suggested that Wisma Putra and Parliament take action and send a note of protest to Macron demanding him to withdraw the statement and apologise to all Muslims and the world community.

He said that the motion involves the public interest and needs to be expedited as he does not want the matter to affect the harmony of the multi-racial and multi-religious community.

“As such, I call on this esteemed Dewan Rakyat to condemn the statement made by the French President, and we are also against the assassination of (high school teacher) Samuel Paty as the matter should be left to the legal process.

“Indeed, I believe that religious sensitivity should be respected as religious diversity should lead to harmony and unity instead of causing conflict among human beings,” he said when tabling the motion in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The French president had previously received criticism from various quarters following a statement issued by him in the wake of the murder of a teacher who was said to have used a caricature of Prophet Muhammad in his class.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun later decided to allow the motion to be debated in the Special Chamber today.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar, when winding up the debate of the motion, said that Malaysia, in principle, wss very committed to upholding freedom of speech and expression as a human right.

However, he said that the rights should be exercised with respect and responsibility, and not exceed the boundaries of religion, in this context an insult to Prophet Muhammad.

“Malaysia as a democratic and 'moderate' Islamic country will continue to promote and maintain harmonious relations and peaceful coexistence.

“This culture is not only among Malaysians of different religious beliefs, but also in the context of a diverse global community,” he said.

Hence, Kamaruddin called on all parties to look at the issue comprehensively and find the cause of the problem to avoid religious misunderstandings, provocations or prejudices. including hatred of religion and insult to Prophet Muhammad.

“On this occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to advise Malaysians abroad always to be vigilant and sensitive to any current developments by taking the initiative to register and contact the Malaysian embassies and consulates (in the countries they are residing) from time to time,” he said.

Apart from Mahfuz, another five MPs took part in the debate, namely, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (Independent-Jerlun), Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PAS-Sik), Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (PH-Pulai), Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Independent-Langkawi).

Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon who chaired the Special Chamber session then adjourned the sitting to 11.30 am tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA