Politicians should not spread hate, says veterans group

PUTRAJAYA: The National Patriots Association (Patriot) has called upon Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Hasan to apologise for his recent behaviour and statements on making physical threats against government critics.
Its president Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said the association felt "disgusted" with Mohamed's speech made before Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and BN youth in Rembau, Negri Sembilan.
"His behaviour does not reflect that of a politician and a leader at the state level. The behaviour which is similar to gangsters is wrong and unacceptable in our Malaysian culture.
"His speech was not well received by the general public and many people who had watched the video expressed disgust,' he said in a statement yesterday.
Mohamed Arshad also questioned whether Mohamad as an honorary Brigadier-General of the Army Reserve Force thought he had the right to threaten the public and opposition.
"Patriot would like to inform him that Army Generals do not behave like he did. He has no honour," he added.
Patriot, he said will always remind politicians to show good behaviour and lead by example, and that their speech should encourage people to unite and show patriotism towards building a harmonious Malaysian society.
"If politicians continue with hate speech like Mohamad, then we can expect the polls in the coming elections to be filled with violence.

"Regardless of whether there was a police report lodged against Mohamed or otherwise, Patriot calls on the police to fully investigate the remarks made by Mohamed and take necessary action in accordance with the law," he added.
Mohamad has since apologised over a viral video that showed him telling Barisan Nasional youths in the Rembau parliamentary constituency to take physical action against business outlets that slander the government.
"I am fully responsible, and to anyone who misinterpreted my comments ... I am sorry. But I have no direct intention to promote the culture of gangsterism," he said Wednesday of the speech he made on Sunday.
Mohamad told theSun on Tuesday his comments were taken out of context.
Police have started investigations into the case after three reports were lodged against Mohamad on Wednesday.
Negri Sembilan police chief Comm Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin said the case has been classified as causing public fear or alarm under Section 505 of the Penal Code.