“We remain stalwart in defending the constitutional principles in that Islam is the religion of the federation while providing space and freedom to the rights of other religions.

“We cannot run away from the reality that Malaysia… was developed by the Malay bumiputera, Chinese, Indians, Dayak, Iban, Melanau, Kadazandusun, and many others.

“So I want to emphasise that the cabinet stands together in this matter of making sure the peace and security of all races is maintained and we will not tolerate any efforts to disturb the country’s security,” Anwar said in the post-cabinet press conference today.

He said he has also instructed security forces to keep an eye out for those who are “desperate” or slighted, who may exploit sentiments and pay people to cause chaos.

Anwar’s warning comes in the wake of several incidents over the past month that saw heightened racial and religious tensions.

Among them was the “Jom Ziarah” programme, which involves youth visiting houses of worship as part of Impact Malaysia’s efforts to increase awareness of the country’s diverse society.

The initiative drew the ire of certain quarters who accused it of “Christian evangelism” as one of the upcoming line-ups of the programme is a visit to a church in Klang.

Impact Malaysia, an agency under the Youth and Sports Ministry, has since denied the claims of evangelism.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has also weighed in on the matter, quoting precedents set by PAS leaders about Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship.

She also stressed that no Muslim youths have been involved in the programme.

In today’s press conference, Anwas said issues, such as this, that may involve racial and religious sensitivities should be resolved through negotiations and discussions.  MKINI