Protest by Muslim residents draws criticism in Malaysia

Jaishree Balasubramanian

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 30 (PTI) An illegal protest by Muslim
residents of a suburb near here and their alleged act of
insulting the Hindu religion has drawn widespread criticism
from Malaysians with the police warning of stern action
against those responsible.

Around 50 people gathered after Friday prayers and
marched to the state secretariat building in Shah Alam,
following which the alleged incident took place.

Claiming to be residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam,
where the temple relocation was proposed, the protesters
chanted provocative slogans outside the state secretariat
building for a short period.

Police said it was investigating Friday's illegal protest
against the relocation of a Hindu temple under the Sedition
Act.

Selangor police chief Deputy Khalid Abu Bakar said they
would be calling those involved in the protest in Shah Alam
for questioning.

"We have identified those involved in Friday's incident
and will be recording their statements," he said, adding the
police would not hesitate to take stern action against anyone
creating racial tension.

The manner of the protest has drawn strong condemnation
from various parties for insulting religious sensitivities,
with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak asking the Inspector
General of Police Musa Hassan to investigate the matter.
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