The Government will not hesitate to take action against anyone who makes racist remarks or fuels racism in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the Government has always maintained a zero-tolerance towards racism.
"Our stand is that we do not tolerate racist remarks by anyone and action will be taken against them,” Najib said in a dialogue at the Barisan Nasional Youth Lab programme in City Hall Auditorium today.
“We must adopt zero tolerance for those who play up such (racist) issues after checking the facts.
"Unity is a very important part of our nation building," he said.
Najib said civil servants also play an important role in preventing racism and they must be educated well not to make insensitive remarks that could stroke racial sentiments.
He said that the recent racial remarks made by two school principals could have been avoided and the incident was an example on how important it is for civil servants to observe a policy that does not tolerate racism.
"We must educate civil servants to understand and appreciate the 1Malaysia concept.
Najib also said the media, which has more latitude today, must be extremely careful in not reporting things which are twisted and gives rise to racial sentiments.
The premier also agreed to an idea mooted by participants in the Lab to set up a special 1Malaysia Fund to support youth programmes that foster inter-racial relationships.
He said he will personally look into conceptualising the idea soon through a proper mechanism.
On another note, Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, said BN will decide by year end on whether to allow direct membership into the party.
“We are still thinking of this idea and we will decide in our BN Convention year end on the idea of direct membership, “ he said, in response to a question on whether BN will allow direct membership instead of having to go through different race-based parties when registering as members.
He said the idea of direct membership, if it is in sync with the 1Malaysia concept, will be something very positive.
The Sun Daily
