BN-Pakatan Youth issue rare joint statement
Youth wings of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat joined forces today in condemning the spate of attacks on places of worship, in a rare display of solidarity through a joint statement.
Youth wings of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat joined forces today in condemning the spate of attacks on places of worship, in a rare display of solidarity through a joint statement. 
"We are of the position that this issue goes beyond religion, politics and race. When there is a threat to Malaysian unity and identity, the young leaders are willing to put aside political difference to defend the harmony of our country," read the statement.
The joint statement, released on BN Youth wing chairperson Khairy Jamaluddin’s website, said any acts of vandalism against any places of worship is abhorent.
Khairy (right), who is Rembau parliamentarian, was the prime mover in the getting the statement signed by the all-party youth groups.
"Such actions are extreme, uncouth, cowardly and very against the values of religion and ethics held by all Malaysians," read the statement.
Among the Youth groups which back the statement are Umno Youth, PKR Youth, MCA Youth, DAP Socialist Youth, MIC Youth and PAS Youth.
MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong told Bernama that the idea for the joint statement came about following a discussion between him and Khairy where the latter immediately took the initiative to contact the Youth chiefs of all political parties in the country.
"He started calling everybody last night by phone suggesting that we make a stand with one voice, and everybody agreed," he added.
DAP Socialist Youth chief Anthony Loke said Khairy had personally contacted him on the matter yesterday asking for his support.
"In the current situation, it is important that everybody is level-headed and be moderate and united in our voice to condemn the attack. It is timely to show the Malaysian society that we are ready to put aside political interest and differences for the sake of social harmony."
Loke said in the end, it was the voice of moderation that would defeat the extremism and most Malaysians, including members from the two political divide, had the genuine hope that everybody would come to their senses.
"People are fed up with the attack on the places of worship and hope everyone will come to their senses," he said.
PAS Youth chief Nasaruddin Tantawi and PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin also said the attack was an issue that went beyond religion, politics and race.
Unite and resist
The youth wings urged all Malaysians to unite and resist against the small segment of extremists who are threatening the stability and peace of the country, appealing to the public not to react emotionally or fan rumours which could aggravate the situation while the authorities continue their investigations. 
The joint statement came a day after the shocking incident involving the placing of several wild-boar heads in two mosques in southern Petaling Jaya.
Swine are considered to be a very offensive animal to most Muslims.
Since early this month, several places of worship - mostly churches - have been targets of vandalism and arson attempts.
These incidents are believed to be related to the Dec 31 High Court decision overturning the Home Ministry's decision to allow the Catholic publication Herald to use the term ‘Allah’ in reference to the Christian God in its Bahasa Malaysia edition.
The BN Youth comprises of youth wings from Umno, MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP, Parti Bumiputera Bersatu, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party, Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party, Parti Rakyat Sarawak, Parti Bersatu Sabah, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah and the Liberal Democratic Party.
Pakatan Youth comprises of youth wings from PAS, PKR and DAP.
Attacks affects Asean
In Manila today, several PKR and PAS Youth leaders, as well as the youth leaders of three Indonesian political parties, have issued another joint statement to condemn the attacks on houses of worship in Malaysia.
The leaders said the incidents were an "irresponsible" act and a "crime" aimed at stoking religious and racial tension.
"Malaysia, as part of the Asean community, is known for its cultural and religious diversity. We are saddened with the incidents (which) depicts increasing intolerance.
"There is a clear and urgent need to address instances of extremism. Seditious statements and provocative actions are counter-productive and would unnecessarily disrupt peace in the region," read the statement.
The joint statement signatories from Malaysia includes PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, PAS Youth secretary Kamarulzaman Mohd, and Balik Pulau assemblyperson Sim Tze Tzin.
The Indonesian authorities includes Golkar Youth chief Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, Gerinda central committee chief Sjukiranto Y, Indonesian Moslem Youth Movement general leader Ahmad Toha Almansur, Crescent Star Party international affairs head Fathurrahman Mahfudz, and Jakarta University lecturer Andi Syafrani.
