The Star

Sunday August 30, 2009

All should condemn act of provocation, says Ti

PETALING JAYA: All political parties should condemn the acts of provocation displayed by the group protesting the relocation of a temple in Shah Alam, said MCA non-governmental organisation liaison bureau chairman Datuk Ti Lian Ker.

He said the protesters’ actions were seditious in nature and absolutely abhorrent.

“I call upon all political parties to disassociate themselves from and condemn this despicable act in the spirit of our coming National Day celebrations,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said Muslims should put aside their differences during Ramadan.

“Those who took part in the protest should not forget that there are laws in our country and they have to abide by it.

“There are proper channels for them to express their disagreement,” Dr Rais added.

The Malaysian Hindu Sangam has asked its members to remain calm and not to carry out any demonstrations against Friday’s protest. However, the association wanted the police to take immediate and stern action against those responsible, said its adviser Datuk A. Vaithilingam.

“We are very disturbed with what happened, it was most despicable.

“The Inspector-General of Police should immediately order the arrest of those who are easily identifiable from the pictures and video and charge them in court,” he said yesterday.

The association’s president Mohan Shan also called for stern action by the police.

“We hope the temple issue is settled as soon as possible without being politicised,” he said.