Cease Raising Religious, Racial Issues, Says PM.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reiterated his advice to all quarters to cease raising sensitive issues related to religion and race, such as Articles 11 and 121 of the Federal Constitution. The prime minister said raising such issues would agitate the people and lead to problems that would benefit nobody.

Abdullah, who is also Minister of Internal Security, said all quarters should exercise control and not raise such issues. "My advice to everyone is to stop (raising such issues). Do not create a situation that can lead to difficulties. Difficulties will make everyone apprehensive," he said when opening the MCA annual general assembly, here.

Abdullah, who is the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said all problems would be resolved in the way of the BN government which has resolved various sensitive and other issues up to now.
Abdullah said the provisions in the Federal Constitution were drawn up following consultations among the far-sighted leaders of the past.

"Adhering to the articles will not create any problem. Discussing these articles again ... this will cause a storm if left unchecked. I have stated that there is no necessity to amend Article 121 ... there is no necessity to amend Article 11. These cause problems between one side and the other," he said.

Abdullah said there were people who asked why these articles could not be discussed. "They relate to matters sensitive to religion. Even in the developed countries such as the United States, there is sensitivity in matters related to religion and race," he said.

-- BERNAMA