POLICE TO PRESS ON WITH PROBE INTO CHURCH ARSON ATTACKS

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- In the wake of the arrests of eight suspects
of church arson attacks over the last two days, Home Minister Hishammuddin
Hussein said Thursday the police would press on relentlessly to identify and
arrest the others involved.

"The police will continue to seek out the others involved in the incidents
(of arson attacks on houses of worship)," he said in a statement.

The police arrested eight men over the last two days for allegedly having
been involved in the arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church in Kuala
Lumpur, on Jan 8.

Arson attacks were made also on several other churches in the Klang Valley
(Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas). These attacks had come following a
High Court ruling on Dec 31 last year allowing the Catholic weekly magazine,
Herald, to use the word "Allah" (God) in its publications. The court had allowed
a stay of execution pending an appeal against the decision by the Home Ministry.


Hishammuddin said he had asked the police to expedite preparation of the
investigation papers to prosecute the eight men.

He said he had also asked Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar to
continue with the police probe into other cases of attacks on houses of worship,
including mosques and "surau".

He said the police were monitoring the situation closely because it touched
on religious sensitivities.

"We realise the negative impact and consequences on the people and country
if the matter is not handled prudently.

"As such, I wish to advise all quarters, particularly political leaders, to
exercise caution and be prudent and responsible when making statements on the
issue," he said.

Hishammuddin said the police would not hesitate to take severe action
against those attempting to undermine peace and security in the country.
-- BERNAMA