PAKATAN Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim is concerned over the fanning of racial sentiments and rhetoric as the country waits for the formation of a new federal government. 

The Tambun lawmaker blamed this development on “desperate” and “interested” groups. 

“The work and effort in forming a responsible and stable government should not be disturbed because Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak are family. 

“They are the people of Malaysia who love peace,” said Anwar in a statement which was posted on twitter. 

The PKR president said he agrees with Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani who warned social media users not to create tension or any provocation on social media that could threaten public safety and order. 

Acryl Sani said this after police detected social media users uploading content with racial or religious sentiments and insults towards the royal institution following the general election results. 

“PDRM, in calling for restraint, is warning social media users to refrain from abusing the platform to spread provocative content that may cause public alarm. 

“Strict action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, (and) the Sedition Act and Penal Code will be used against any party trying to create a situation that threatens public safety and order,” he said in a statement last night. 

On Saturday, PH won 82 parliamentary seats, followed by Perikatan Nasional (PN) with 73 and Barisan Nasional with 30. 

This resulted in a hung parliament as neither coalition achieved the simple majority of 112 seats to form a new federal government. 

PH and PN both claim to have secured the numbers to form a federal government and are set to submit details of the coalitions supporting them and their choices for prime minister to the palace by 2pm today. 

The BN supreme council is meeting at 11am to formally decide which coalition it will support. – November 22, 2022.