Press Statement by Gerakan vice-president and Penang Gerakan State Chairman
Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan
May 09, 2011
Gerakan vice-president Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan has urged all media including newspapers to stop speculating and exploiting on issue of religion that can stoke tension.
Dr Teng also urged the police, especially the Special Branch, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into a report by Utusan Malaysia and two bloggers which claimed that a meeting had taken place in Penang, attended by Christian leaders who want Christianity to be the official religion in Malaysia.
“If there was no basis to the reports, appropriate serious action according to the laws of our country should be taken against Utusan Malaysia and the two bloggers. Similarly, appropriate serious action should also be taken against those who flout the law if there was a basis to the reports,” said Dr Teng in a press statement.
Dr Teng, who is also Penang Gerakan chief, said Utusan Malaysia is perceived as an Umno mouthpiece and thus the newspaper should be more responsible, matured and professional in its reporting.
“The newspaper will be seen to be helping to spread a rumour without prior verification and this is incorrect and dangerous. Such rumour can have detrimental effects on the peace and harmony of our nation,” he said.
Dr Teng said Utusan Malaysia should have approached the authorities concerned to take early action to nip “the problem” in the bud, instead of highlighting the matter and raising the sentiments of its readers.
“Such sensitive and negative reports can be exploited by any party, within and outside of Malaysia for their vested interest, to destroy the foundation of Malaysia’s nation-building,” he added.
