G25 thank Malay Rulers for not keeping quiet

PETALING JAYA: The G25 group of prominent Malays has expressed its support for the Malay Rulers for condemning the action of certain individuals responsible for the growing intolerance in the country.
"We are proud to have the Majlis Raja-Raja Melayu who stand united as leaders against the extremism that is spreading in our country. We are so thankful that our Rulers have not remained silent, where others have.
"They have taken a crucial leadership role both in the name of protecting the good name of Islam and to safeguard, not only racial harmony but against an existential threat to the nation," they said in a statement on Wednesday night.
The Malay Rulers had, on Oct 10, said it was concerned that the unity and harmony in the country was eroding following a series of racial and religious controversies, and that the actions of certain individuals had gone beyond all acceptable standards of decency.
Following the ruler's statement, G25 also called on the government to take a clear and firm stand against these existential threats and to urgently put a stop to the rise of religious extremism, intolerance and bigotry.
"This not only among individuals and groups but also within the religious enforcement agencies and the independent preachers," it said.
The group added that the time is opportune for the federal and state governments to review the Syariah Offences Acts and Enactments which give religious authorities broad powers and which are seriously lacking in clear definition which can be abused.
"The federal and state government need to urgently monitor their respective religious departments to ensure that they do not abuse their powers and perpetuate injustice.
"Those who are guilty of abusing their powers must be held accountable," G25 members said in the joint statement.