Revived FB page insults East M’sians

The page has been successful in using religion to divide
Malaysians, with many users using Islam and
Christianity as subjects of their arguments.

By Lisa J. Ariffin
PETALING JAYA: An anti-East Malaysia fan page which was previously shutdown has resurfaced on Facebook and is spewing racial and religious slurs.

The “Semenanjung (Peninsular) Malaysia Anti Sabah & Sarawak” fan page has garnered 321 ‘Likes’ since it resurfaced on the social-networking site on Aug 5, a far cry from the 4,870 ‘Likes’ it had before it was removed from Facebook.

From its updates, it is understood that there are several administrators located all over Peninsular Malaysia, who are strongly against Christians from East Malaysia.

“It is Raya tomorrow. Hopefully the Christians won’t be jealous when they see the Muslims eating Raya cakes,” an anonymous post reads.

“Oi, Sabah and Sarawak monkeys! What is wrong with you? Who are you to say that others are stupid! You are stupid! Look at yourself first, you Sabah and Sarawak infedel monkeys!! [sic.],” admin Abdul Hakim said.

Administrators of the fan page had even challenged Ranau Upko deputy chief Siringan Gubat to report the page to relevant authorities following the latter’s statement that the fan page had insulted people in East Malaysia, as well as hurt the feelings of Christians in the country.

“[You] (Siringan) live in Malaysia, right… Okay-lah, I want to punch you in Malaysia,” the anonymous post reads.

Netizens’ responses have been divided, with supporters praising the group for “protecting Islam”, and those who oppose condemning the group for creating disunity among Malaysians.

However, it is clear that the page has been successful in using religion to divide Malaysians, with many users using Islam and Christianity as subjects of their arguments.

Postings jeopardise unity

Earlier today, Siringan reportedly demanded that action be taken against the page administrators.

Siringan said the page and its postings jeopardised the unity and relations among people with different religions and between peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.

“We cannot just sit down and keep quiet when someone does something as serious as this.

“We also do not want to see any difference or bias in treatment or action against anyone who insults other religions, no matter who he or she is and from what religious background,” stressed Siringan.

While only two to three per cent of the population are Christians in Peninsular Malaysia, this figure rises sharply to more than 40% in East Malaysia.

Most Christians in Sabah and Sarawak are members of the indigenous KadazandusunMuruts (KDM) and Dayak communities.