PETALING JAYA: Those who protested in front of a church in Taman Medan should not have taken action that could cause unrest in our multiracial country, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
He said the Cabinet had discussed the protest against a new shop lot-based church after the congregation put up a cross on the building.
“We are of the opinion that protestors should have discussed the matter with the relevant parties if they had objections and should not have taken action that could have caused unrest in our multiracial society,” Najib said in a statement yesterday.
The Prime Minister stressed that everyone should abide by the laws of the country and respect the religious practices of others, as provided for in the Federal Constitution.
“In addition to that, we must be tolerant and have mutual respect among the various races and religions.
“Police will investigate the group which took part in the protest. If they are found to have broken any law, action can be taken under the Sedition Act or other existing laws,” he said.
Najib said the Sedition Act was aimed at ensuring peace and harmony among the various races and protecting all faiths.
He also said that the Selangor government had the power to determine if the shop lot had been registered as a place of worship and given the permission to be used as a church.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup denounced the way the protestors “went to the streets to show their disapproval”.
“I think that is not the proper way to do it. They should report to the authorities (if they thought the church was illegal) and let the authorities deal with the church instead of taking matters into their hands.
“If the church did not comply with the rules, the best thing they should have done was to refer to the Petaling Jaya City Council,” said Kurup.
Kurup, who is in charge of national unity and integration, said the action of the protestors was “not conducive to national unity and harmony”.
He said they should have embraced the spirit of Rukun Negara and the values of moderation or wasatiyyah as promoted by the Government.
He said in future, all places of worship should also get the necessary approvals and comply with regulations and by-laws.
Nancy Shukri, who is de facto law minister, concurred with Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that action can be taken under the Sedition Act if the protestors acted beyond the ambit of the law.
“This is where the relevancy of the Sedition Act is applicable. The Act clearly shows that it is not only used against the Opposition but anyone who breaks the law.
“As a multi-ethnic community, we ought to show our respect towards each other’s culture and religion so we can live in harmony,” she said, adding there was no need for people to have such demonstrations.
The group of about 50 residents in Taman Medan staged the protest on Sunday.
They contended that the sight of the cross in a largely Muslim area “challenged Islam” and could influence younger minds.
Members of the church later agreed to take down the cross.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said on Monday the protestors, one of whom is the brother of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, would face action for sedition.
Yesterday, council officers classified the church as unlicensed as it had not submitted a written application to operate as a place of worship.
Related story:
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
