IPOH: Umno vice-president Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin urged Malaysians to stay united following the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.
Khaled said the tragedy should lead towards a more harmonious and peaceful Malaysian society.
“Adib is a victim of a crime which aimed to damage the lives of the people and country. They caused interracial tension on issues which were not even a racial problem.
“Therefore, Adib’s loss must be an inspiration for us to unite as a nation and not distance one race from the other. If not, his death in the quest to find harmony will be vain,“ he said in a statement.
The Permas assemblyman added that Adib’s death should be a driving force to fight all forms of prejudice against any religion, race and beliefs.
“This country belongs to all and we should have a sense of belonging to one another. This must remind us that all Malaysians should live in harmony and peace, so that such tragic incidents will not occur again,“ he said.
Khaled also remind politicians in the country to take Adib’s sacrifice as an example and stop politicking.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, expressed his condolences.
He said Muhammad Adib’s passing was felt by all the people and believed the sacrifices made by the hero was noble in terms of religion, race and for the country.
The Dewan Negara observed a minute’s silence and expressed its condolences.
Senate president Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran represented the Senate in expressing sadness at his passing.
The Fire and Rescue Department will fly flags at half-mast at all premises as a mark of respect for three days.
