IGP: 'Cross' protest not seditious or criminal

KUALA LUMPUR: The protest by residents over a cross on a shoplot church in Taman Medan on Sunday is not seditious or has any "criminal element," said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

"The issue did not touch on religion but the location of the church there.

“Our view is that this does not touch on the Christian religion but more of the communities' objection to the church in their neighbourhood.

“Based on investigations, community representatives and the pastor of the church had a meeting and they agreed to take down the cross,” he told reporters after launching the PR1MA registration programme for police at Bukit Aman.

Khalid confirmed that his brother, Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar, who was said to be acting as a mediator between the protesters and church leaders, was present at the gathering.

“His role there was as a community leader and he was there to calm tensions and ensure that the group did not turn aggressive,” he said.

Khalid said the situation at the church on Sunday was "leaning towards a flash mob" and not planned by any party.

“We have referred the matter to the Petaling Jaya City Council and state government for further action.

“For the moment we do not see any crimimal element in this issue.

“Our personnel are monitoring the situation closely to ensure it does not escalate further,” he said.

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