Before the dust can settle over the various racial and religious allegations against the Penang government, a group of Muslims attending prayers at a mosque in Kepala Batas was shocked to discover pornographic photos in 21 copies of its Surah Yassin.
(The Surah Yassin is a chapter of the Quran often printed separately as a book for use in prayers.)
The photos appeared to have been pasted neatly in a very organised manner, mosque committee chairperson Abdul Rahman Abdullah reportedly told Malay-language tabloid Sinar Harian.
The state government has quickly come forward to condemn the atrocious act, which was carried out by unidentified quarters.
State exco member for religious affairs, domestic trade and consumerism Abdul Malik Abul Kassim urged the police to act swiftly against the culprits involved in the incident, which occured in Taman Bertam two days ago.
Abdul Malik said the “deplorable act” was unacceptable to everyone regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
“Regardless of the intention (to carry out such an act), no one can accept this provocation which is racist and sacrilegious in nature,” he said.
“This is the kind of provocation that we usually find in Umno-owned newspapers."
He was responding to an incident on Sunday, where about 100 faithful at the Masjid At-Takwa in Taman Bertam Indah were shocked by the discovery of dirty photos in the copies of the Surah Yassin.
Downloaded from the Internet?
In each copy, a 4x5cm photo was found, which depicted a pornographic act in various positions, believed to have been downloaded from the Internet.
Abdul Malik, who is Batu Maung assemblyperson, said that rational-minded Penangites would not allow this group to threaten the existing harmony between the races.
“The people are not willing to allow incidents like the 'cow head' and 'pig's head' to creep into the country,” he said.
Abdul Malik said he suspects that the act of inserting obscene photos into the Surah Yassin was done in an organised manner by certain quarters.
“There is certainly a motive to create anger among the Muslims in the state,” he warned.
“This appears to be similar to incidents such as allegedly using the name of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in mosque sermons and also the recent controversy that DAP was plotting with a group of pastors to install a Christian state and a Christian prime minister.
“It is hoped that the Royal Malaysian Police, who are touted to be one of the best in the world, will quickly bring to book any culprit.”
According to Sinar Harian, Seberang Perai Utara (North) police chief Zulkifli Alias confirmed receiving a report on the matter.
He said the case, which involves causing harm or defacing a place of workship with the intention to insult any religion, is being probed under Section 295 of the Penal Code
He added that the police have yet to make any arrest, and urged the public not to speculate until investigations are completed.
- Malaysiakini
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