Na’im said Muslims should practise “tabayyun”, which involves thoroughly verifying a matter before acting on it, to preserve harmony in society.

“This recent incident, where a non-Muslim youth was allegedly slapped for eating during the month of Ramadan, does not reflect the true teachings of Islam.

“Islam teaches us to be patient, have noble character and to respect the rights of others, especially in a multiracial society.

“The month of Ramadan is not only about hunger and thirst, but also about controlling our emotions and preserving good ties with others,” he said in a Facebook post.

Na’im urged all Muslims to seek to resolve differences or issues with wisdom and through the right channels. He also advised them to show patience and to be open-minded.

Earlier today, national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the victim had filed a police report over the incident which took place at a shopping mall in Johor Bahru.

The victim claimed that he was having a meal at a convenience store when a man approached him and asked if he was Chinese. When he replied that he was, the man demanded to see his MyKad.

He claimed the man got angry at him during this exchange and “even slapped me a few times”. The man’s son later defused the situation and apologised on behalf of his father.

The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.