KUALA LUMPUR: The police are on the lookout for any potential “sparks” that could lead to security concerns following the current issues regarding illegal temples.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, at a press conference yesterday, said that the recent issue of the temples have led to a rise in racial sentiments and that the “temperature must be lowered”.
“Essentially, this is an administrative issue involving land status, approval from local authorities and compliance with planning and development laws.
“However, administrative issues like this can rapidly turn into religious and racial polemics when discussed openly in public spaces and on social media without proper control.
“The police are closely monitoring several recent developments that have the potential to become security flashpoints if not handled carefully,” he said.
The IGP added that among those that could turn into security issues were the emergence of social media campaigns calling on the public to gather at specific locations associated with places of worship whose status is in dispute, alongside the spread of provocative videos and statements.
“The police continuously pay attention to early indicators that could lead to racial tensions. This approach is important as a form of early security warning or an early warning mechanism, so that any issue can be addressed before it escalates into a more serious conflict.
“We will take firm action against any individual or group that violates the law or attempts to incite racial tension. However, at the same time, we must also understand that enforcement of the law alone is not sufficient to maintain social harmony.
“It requires the cooperation of all parties, especially community leaders, NGO figures and community activists.”
The IGP also applauded Wednesday’s meeting between Malay and Indian NGOs to discuss the issue with dialogue.
“The police supports and greatly appreciates the commitment and spirit of national unity demonstrated by the parties involved.
“This indirectly helps the authorities maintain racial harmony in order to ensure national stability in realising the direction set by the government.”
When asked on the alleged double standards by bringing Zamri Vinoth to court in handcuffs, the IGP said that certain offences were bailable and others were not.
“When we informed about the four arrests in Putrajaya that day, those were under Section 505 (of the Penal Code). But there is also another case related to the Sedition Act.
“So these actions are taken based on the law. The public may see them as different matters, but we enforce the law according to its proper legal provisions,” he said.
Regarding the investigations into businessman Victor Chin Boon Long over his alleged involvement in a “corporate mafia”, he said that investigations were carried out under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
“So far, we are still conducting investigations and have found that there are several matters that require action under AMLA, and as everyone is aware, he is currently overseas.
“Efforts are actively being made to obtain cooperation from various relevant parties for the investigation of this case,” he said.
On March 16, police confirmed that they had raided several premises belonging to corporate figure Victor Chin in the areas of Kemensah and Sungai Long, Kajang.
On the ongoing investigation into the alleged sabotage to topple the government, the IGP said that 14 more people were slated to have their statements recorded, with the police already having taken statements from 14 others.
“I have been informed by the Criminal Investigations Department that statements have been taken from 14 individuals.
“We are still reviewing them and conducting further investigations, and there are a few more individuals from whom we may take statements.”
