Low Yat brawl: Tun M condemns fracas outside mall

ALOR SETAR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) has voiced his condemnation over the weekend fracas at Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur.

He said the fighting should not have happened in a multi-racial society like Malaysia.

"It all began because someone allegedly stole a handphone and was arrested for it. He then called on his pengikut (followers) to attack the people who nabbed him. This should not have happened in a multi-racial society.

"Although there might be anger among us, we should not riot," he said in his speech during a breaking fast event at Dewan Seri Mentaloon here Tuesday.

He regretted that the incident took place during the month of Ramadan, adding that fasting was not only about abstaining from food, but other temptations as well.

"One of the teachings on fasting is to not follow one's nafsu (desires)," he added.

"Muslims must show everyone that Islam is a religion of peace. We should not stay away from others just because they are embracing other religions.

"They never stop us from performing our duties, including praying and administrating the country.

"Therefore, we should also respect the non-Muslims in their way of praying," he said, adding that everyone must maintain peace and berunding (negotiate) in times of trouble.

On Saturday, a fight erupted after a group of youths came to a shop on the ground floor of Low Yat Plaza and start attacking workers there.

This led to another group of about 100 people who protested outside the plaza at 6.30pm on Sunday.

The group had gathered to protest what they claimed was "biased investigations" by the police.

Later, another group started a fracas and seven people were injured in the riots, including three members of the media.