The Malaysian Insight

AS the nation mourns the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, politicians and Malaysians took to Twitter to try and temper the racial and religious tensions brewing on social media.

Adib, 24, from the Subang Jaya fire and rescue station was severely beaten up by a mob during riots near the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple on November 27 after he was reportedly dragged out of the emergency response system (EMRS) vehicle.

On Sunday, Adib, who had shown encouraging signs of recovery in recent weeks, was reportedly suffering progressive deterioration of the lungs.

He finally succumbed to the injuries at the National Heart Institute (IJN) last night. Police are now probing the death as murder.

Emotions ran high on social media soon after news of Adib’s death broke. Many blamed the temple management and its Hindu devotees.

A post on Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin’s Facebook page blamed “a group of terrorists” for causing Adib’s death.

The post urged the authorities to bring the “terrorists” to justice and punish them appropriately.

“The value of a life cannot be taken lightly. Killers must be punished with death, unless the victim’s family forgives. Otherwise, the balance of justice will be ruined in this life,” the post read, citing the Islamic law of Qisas that allows retributive justice.

Tweeting with the hashtag #justice4adib, khairulazri (@mkhairulazri) said the temple management must be held accountable.

“We lost Adib, because of the irresponsible act of the former Temple Chairman who fled with the compensation money. The entire temple management is accountable for this incompetent act.”

Meanwhile, Par (@azfar10zulkifli) demanded death for those responsible.

“Really hope the people responsible for Adib’s death go to the gallows. If not, it’s a sign we need to change. Enough of being always pushed around.”

However, many also sought to soothe the rising emotions by reminding Malaysians not to use Adib’s death to ignite racial tensions.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said Adib was a “hero who paid the ultimate price while serving in the line of duty”.

“The perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“In the meantime, we must stand united and ensure that nobody attempts to hijack this tragedy and sow hatred within our community,” tweeted the Port Dickson MP.

Another Twitter user Neryssa Azlan (@neryssaazlan) said “this is not what Adib would’ve wanted” in condemning racially provocative comments on social media.

The 147-year-old Seafield temple was fighting an order to relocate. It has been occupying land belonging to developer One City Development Sdn Bhd.

The firm had secured a consent judgment to relocate the Hindu house of worship to Putra Heights some 2.7km away, but devotees refused to budge.

The dispute then erupted into a racial tension in late November when a group of armed masked men stormed the temple and intimidated devotees. The violence that lasted two days also saw more than 20 vehicles torched.

Azira (@ladymissazira) said everyone was angry and sad about Adib’s death but people should stay calm to honour the fireman, who had “selflessly offered his life to ensure the calm and safety of his fellow Malaysians”.

“His service came from love for our beloved nation, honour his wish,” she said.

Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet (@limweijiet) also tweeted his condolences and call for justice.

“Alfatihah Saudara Adib. You did not deserve this. I hope the justice system punishes those who assaulted you.

“And God bless our Bomba, Polis and public safety servicemen, wherever you are,” he said.

Krishnamurthy K (@KMurthychettiar) admitted that the Hindu community shouldered much of the blame over what had happened to Adib.

“The whole nation mourns Adib’s passing. The Hindu Indian community however shoulders much culpability in this tragedy because violence is cultivated n nurtured amongst its youth.

“Leaders, it’s time to take stock and act to find long term solutions,” the former lawyer tweeted.

Krishnamurthy in subsequent tweets said the temple fight had sacrificed an innocent young life, adding that the house of worship should be “moved from this sacrificial grounds”.

He said the tragedy should be a lesson to the community that “had bred the gangster culture”.

Adib’s body was flown via helicopter from Subang airport to his hometown in Kedah at 7.30am today. Present at the airport were Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. – December 18, 2018.