PM: Just ignore the extremists

The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should not give extremists and instigators the publicity they crave, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said all Malaysians should discourage the spreading of reports on action taken by such groups that tend to destroy the trust between races and incite fear and hatred.

“You know what these extremist groups are saying on social media sites are wrong, so should we share such views online?” he wrote in his latest blog post at www.1malaysia.com.my.

“If you want to preserve the harmony of this country, don’t let these instigators overpower us!”

Najib pointed out that if no one responded to these groups, they would not be able to get the recognition they wanted and would fail as they would be unable to recruit more people to their cause.

Instead, he urged the public as well as mainstream and online media to share stories on acts of kindness between races, which reminded Malaysians that they were all part of one family.

“Do not give these extremists the publicity they crave. We don’t have to condemn them, just ignore them. Don’t give them the airtime or publici­ty,” he said.

Najib said the Government’s National Reconciliation Plan (NRP) was a concept that belonged to all Malaysians, adding that everyone should play a role if they wanted peace and harmony.

He said if the people wanted a better nation and their faith restored in one another, then they would need to take the steps to do it.

“Once you do this, it will not matter who says what or which group makes silly demands, because you will know how you, your neighbours and, by extension, how most Malay­sians feel.

“If we feel united as a people, these extremists, regardless of who they are and what they do, will get no traction.

“Destroy them by having faith in yourself and your fellow Malaysians,” he said.

Najib, who thanked the Opposition and various groups for their input on the NRP and said it would be consi­dered, added that the plan would be unveiled and implemented over the next few months.

He said it would encourage an environment that was conducive and promoted national reconciliation through unity and consensus, adding that it was based on the principles of respect, working and playing together and the spirit of give and take.

“What we want to do is help inspire the rakyat to respect and reconnect with one another so as to make Malaysia a better home for all of us,” he said, adding that he was touched by the rakyat’s strong support and encouragement for a cohesive and united nation.