KUCHING, Nov 20: The government has been urged to formulate an anti-discrimination act to address racial and religious intolerance to stem discrimination and divisive fear-mongering in the country, says Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen.
“A comprehensive anti-discriminatory act should be formulated to standardise understanding of discrimination and address such cases, especially in the workplace.
“The relevant ministries should also intensify more education and awareness to deal with the growing intolerance in our plural country,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Yii was commenting on the issue of a Chinese Muslim eatery in Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, whereby its management fired an employee for wearing a necklace with a cross that was reported by national news outlets recently.
Regarding this, Dr Yii, who is also the National DAPSY chief, pointed out that there is no law to prevent non-Muslims from preparing halal food as long as the requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in food preparation are adhered to.
“This cannot be allowed to be a growing trend. We want to live in a harmonious society where our diversity is respected and celebrated.
“Such a situation should not be allowed to fester and spread to even places like Sarawak and Sabah, where we have lived in harmony and respect,” he said.
In a New Straits Times news report dated Nov 19, the issue, which went viral recently, showed a staff member of the Chinese Muslim eatery wearing a cross necklace preparing the food.
The issue has caused netizens to question if the restaurant was trying to deceive its customers. — DayakDaily
