CIVIL society must not be provocative and petty when making demands, said Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.

He called on such groups to be mindful of their acts, so as to not cause racial and religious tensions in the country.

His comment are in response to the Hindu Rights Action Force’s (Hindraf) request that cops provide more protection to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy, following news that several men have been arrested for plotting the assassination of high-profile individuals.

Police did not name Waytha Moorthy as among those targeted.

“Let us all take a moderate approach in our actions. I understand that there are groups that want to champion their own issues, regardless of religious or racial matters,” Hamid told reporters after an event in Kuala Lumpur today.

“But do not provoke, because your statements will be used by radicals to turn things the other way around. Let us be more understanding.

“We Malaysians argue about petty stuff.”

He gave an assurance that police carry out their duties without fear or favour.

“The protection of race and religion is guaranteed under the constitution. I urge every party to be responsible in their actions, because irresponsible groups will turn the issue into a racial or religious matter.”

Hindraf legal adviser Karthig Shan, in a statement yesterday, urged the top cop to consider additional security for Waytha Moorthy.

He said terror suspects nabbed earlier this month had intentions to assassinate several high-profile personalities for allegedly failing to uphold Islam and insulting the religion.

Hindraf supporters are apprehensive, he said, pointing to an attack on Waytha Moorthy at his office on August 16, 2017.

He added that the minister in charge of national unity was singled out at the rally to oppose the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Waytha Moorthy was also blamed following the Seafield temple riots and subsequent death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, said Karthig. – May 15, 2019.