House Of Worship Issues: Home Minister To Brief Cabinet Tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will brief the Cabinet tomorrow on matters concerning houses of worship constructed without proper approvals and the recent intrusion at a temple in Rawang.

He said the briefing aims to provide an accurate account of the issue, including the chronology of events and the individuals involved, to enable the government to identify the best solutions for easing the tensions that have arisen.

“I have asked the Inspector-General of Police and the Special Branch director to be prepared with a comprehensive report. We want to ensure that any action taken is based on facts and the law, rather than emotions or manipulation by certain parties,” he told a press conference after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

On the incident in which individuals took the law into their own hands to demolish a house of worship, Saifuddin Nasution stressed that actions that undermine the rule of law are extremely dangerous and could threaten public order.

“Issues relating to race and religion are highly emotive. When information is spread recklessly by those who do not consider public peace, the responsibility of the police becomes critical in preventing provocation,” he said.

He emphasised that issues relating to land status, ownership, or urban planning must be resolved through lawful channels involving the state government and local authorities.

“No party will benefit if we act on emotion. We remain a multiracial country, and the government will continue to uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution also expressed full confidence in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to utilise all available resources, including provisions under Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code, as preventive measures to avert any actions that could disrupt national harmony.

“Freedom of speech is not freedom to incite or stir up racial sentiments. The police will act professionally to safeguard the nation’s peace,” he said.

Yesterday, police arrested four men to assist in investigations into the intrusion at the temple in Rawang.

-- BERNAMA