Buka puasa at church cancelled after police report made

PETALING JAYA: An interfaith buka puasa event at a Catholic church in Petaling Jaya was cancelled upon the advice of the police.

The event at the Church of Assumption, which was supposed to be held yesterday evening, was called off after organisers were informed that a report was lodged against them.

“Someone lodged a police report and two policemen went to the church to warn that there might be an individual or group who might cause trouble,” social cause advocate Syed Azmi Alhabshi said in a Facebook post.

When contacted, Syed Azmi said after being informed of the report, the organisers deliberated on whe­ther the church should carry on with the event, adding that it was “all in good faith”.

“We won’t know whether it has a negative or positive impact, but we’d rather be safe for the sake of the public,” he said.

Syed Azmi, who was called by the organisers to serve as an adviser on Muslim sensitivities and culture, said the police had done the best they could under the circumstan­ces, which was to inform the orga­nising committee.

“But to know that such an event had created a buzz means that there is an impact.”

He added that the breaking of fast went ahead outside the church building.

Rayyan Haries, 25, who attended the buka puasa outside the church, told The Star Online that he had decided to break fast at the event with a friend because it was important to put aside religious and racial differences in order to celebrate the true spirit of Ramadan.

“It was a very lovely gesture from the church and I loved it,” he said.

He also said it was important that more of such events be organised as they increased opportunities for Malaysians to understand the diversity in Malaysian society.

Rayyan added that around 15 people turned up to break fast toget­her outside the church, although others turned up earlier to collect their food packets.

“Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food but also showcasing your love for other people,” he said.