RESPECT THE LAW, SAYS PM

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak has called on all quarters to respect the law to ensure that public order is maintained at all times.

The prime minister made the reminder in the wake of attempts by opposition
parties in northern state of Perak to "convene" a state legislative assembly
sitting Wednesday.

"Police have the power to ensure that public order is maintained," Najib
told reporters after announcing the winner of 1Malaysia songwriting competition
at the Perdana Putra Building, here.

He was asked to comment on the latest development in Perak where three
opposition assemblymen were arrested for allegedly breaching a court order that
prohibited any assembly within 30 metres of the Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh
where the Perak state legislative assembly is housed.

To another question, Najib said he deeply regretted the demonstration in
Shah Alam near Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The demonstration, which was to protest against the relocation of a temple,
also saw several people brandishing a cow head outside the state of Selangor
secretariat building.

The prime minister said he would leave it to the authorities and the
Attorney-General's Chambers to determine the types of action against those
involved.

Asked on the burning of the Jalur Gemilang by demonstrators during a protest
in Indonesia, Najib said he hoped that the incident would not affect the cordial
relations between both countries.

Saying that he was sure it was not what the Indonesian government wanted,
Najib said, he and Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had close
relations and were in constant contact to discuss issues of mutual interest.
-- BERNAMA