KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday came out emphatically to say that the Malaysian diversity of race, religion and culture had to be safeguarded.

Respecting different races, religions and cultures was important, emphasised Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, at the Aidilfitri open house at the Desa Tasik police quarters here.

“Don’t protect criminals (because of their)… race,” said Zahid in a report carried by The Rakyat Post.

Zahid who is an Umno vice-president, added that “we (the police) have to protect other races, religions and cultures”.

The new deputy prime minister also touched on the dangers of IT abuse and the evils of illegal gambling.

In an obvious reference to the theft at the Low Yat Plaza which took on a racial tone due to mischievous postings on social media, Zahid warned that the misuse of the social media could lead to disharmony in the country.

In the present situation of fear and uncertainty over issues, people will be confused with all the information or misinformation in cyberspace, cautioned Zahid.

He also called on the people to help police in their efforts to eradicate illegal gambling.

While he commended Kuala Lumpur police chief Tajuddin Md Isa’s efforts against illegal gambling houses, Zahid warned: “Any police officer or individual who protects illegal gambling houses will not escape (the clutches of the law).”-freemalaysiatoday