PPP: Inaction on racial remarks erodes trust in rule of law

New Straits Times

24-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The People's Progressive Party (PPP) has expressed concern over the government's decision not to act against two individuals accused of racially and religiously provocative remarks, warning it could erode public trust in the rule of law.
"Are we now to tell these citizens that their concerns are inconsequential? That the law is malleable depending on identity or influence? That the values of racial and religious harmony can be trampled without consequence?," PPP president Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan said in statement.
His remarks comes after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said told Parliament Tuesday that the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) found that there was insufficient evidence to establish the elements of any offence to prosecute Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong in court.
Azalina was asked why both Zamri and Firdaus have yet to be charged in court despite hundreds of police reports being filed against them.
The former Federal Territories deputy minister also urged the Attorney-General's Chambers and all relevant enforcement authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent review of the evidence.
"We call for legal action to be taken without delay against any individual, regardless of stature, who violates laws that protect the dignity of our multiracial, multireligious, and constitutional monarchy system," he said.
Loga Bala described Azalina's reply as "not only disheartening" but striking at the very core of the principles underpinning the rule of law in Malaysia."
"At a time when our nation is striving to strengthen unity and foster mutual respect among diverse communities, such inaction on matters involving race, religion, and royalty sets a troubling precedent," he said.
Loga Bala said each of the over 900 reports filed represents a Malaysian citizen who placed faith in the legal system and chose the lawful path to seek redress.
"This outcome risks eroding public trust in our legal institutions — especially among the youth — and sends a damaging signal that hate speech and provocation can go unchecked, even when the voices of the rakyat are loud and clear," he added.