Attack on nuns: Silence breeds speculation

Was it a hate crime or a robbery gone wrong? Citizens are left speculating as Catholic Church authorities decline to comment on the attack that shocked everyone.

PETALING JAYA: After the attack on two elderly nuns in the early morning of March 14, church authorities where the attack took place have decided to remain silent on the incident.

This has resulted in concerned rakyat speculating as to whether the attack was racial or religious motivated act or a robbery.

The church has refused to issue a statement and is unwilling to share any information that could possibly throw some light as to what was the possible motive for the attack.

The silence has led to a barrage of comments on the social media by citizens to express their confusion, rage, disgust and concern.

An FMT reader, Shihan commented on Facebook:

“Who on earth are so inhumane to attack elderly people and these two are nuns. For whatever reasons there may be, this should not have taken place. Has our society and humanity eroded to such an extent? I propose all religious centers employ security guards to ensure this form of atrocity does not repeat itself.”

Another Facebook user Alex Ong speculated that the attack could have been a hate crime and asked, “Is this a war declared by Isma? Doing (a) hit and run on defenseless nuns? Or was it a result of the provocation by Isma?”

An angered Julius asked, “Attacking 2 old nuns in church compound, if this is not religiously motivated, then what is? I hope they don’t play “the attackers are mentally insane game..”.Cowardly B*******!”

Irene posted :”If its a robbery, what did they expect to rob from two old nuns? diamond rings, gold? cash?? and why must they attack them in such (a) vicious manner? million dollar question.”

Early yesterday morning, Catholic nuns Julianna Lim Nyo Nya, 68, and Mary-Rose Teng, 80, both from the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus were attacked by an unknown assailant or assailants.

They were left for dead, until several church caretakers found them on the steps of the Church of the Visitation in Seremban.

A trusted source told FMT that Mary-Rose will be discharged from Seremban hospital soon but Julianna is still unresponsive and in coma.

The Negeri Sembilan chief of police is scheduled to hold a press conference regarding the attack later today.