KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has slammed Pengkalan Chepa MP Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary for making inflammatory remarks mentioning the 1969 racial riots, calling them irresponsible and unacceptable in Parliament.
Fahmi, who also serves as the Madani government spokesperson, was responding to Ahmad Marzuk’s assertion that Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng’s proposal for an Anti-Racial Discrimination Act could escalate tensions and potentially lead to a recurrence of the May 13, 1969 incident.
“I see many MPs, especially from the opposition, acting irresponsibly. They should heed the King’s advice and use Parliament to debate matters that genuinely help foster unity and build a successful nation. It should not be a platform for inciting fear or provocation,” Fahmi said after officiating at Impact Comm 2025: Shaping Corporate Communication for Impact today, Bernama reported.
Fahmi was referring to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim’s address during the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament.
He emphasised that Ahmad Marzuk’s remarks, which he viewed as an attempt at incitement, would be referred to the relevant special committee in the Dewan Rakyat, given that they were made during a parliamentary session. Fahmi also plans to bring the issue to the cabinet’s attention.
“As an MP, he (Ahmad Marzuk) should know better and not incite sentiments or stir up such issues,” he added.
Fahmi reminded MPs, particularly those from the opposition, to focus on discussions that promote unity rather than those that risk creating division.
He highlighted that this aligns with Sultan Ibrahim’s speech where His Majesty urged lawmakers to uphold Parliament’s role as a distinguished institution dedicated to public interest and national progress.
The King’s address also stressed the importance of constructive debates that unite the people and contribute to the country’s prosperity.
Meanwhile, speaking on Impact Comm 2025, Fahmi said the event aims to equip communication professionals with the necessary skills and strategies to tackle modern corporate communication challenges.
The conference brings together industry leaders and experts to explore the impact of strategic communication in shaping corporate reputation, influencing public perception, and driving business success. – February 19, 2025