HATE ATTACK, POLITICAL PAWNS OR ROBBERY? Attack on 2 Catholic nuns sparks OUTRAGE

KUALA LUMPUR - An Opposition Member of Parliament has called on Malaysian police to investigate "without fear or favor" an early morning attack on two Catholic nuns, which comes amid rising religious extremism and anti-Christian sentiment in the country stirred up by ultra Muslim groups linked to members of Prime Minister Najib Razak's Umno party.

"We must not jump to conclusions that it was a robbery. Neither should we jump the gun and point the finger at Muslim zealots. Some have even speculated it is politically motivated," MP for Wangsa Maju Tan Kee Kwong told Malaysia Chronicle.

"Depending on which faction in Umno, some say it could be to deflect attention from the Terengganu crisis or alternatively to add to the pressure on the PM - to highlight that he is weak. This is why a thorough probe must be carried out. We simply cannot allow our innocent citizens to become pawns in anyone's power game.

"If this attack is a hate-inspired attack against Christians, then the Najib administration and the police must take full responsibility for allowing ultra groups such as Isma and Perkasa to say what they like and get away with it. What some of these ultras say can influence others into acts of zealotry and the irresponsible ones must be held accountable for stirring up so much hatred in our society."

Seriously, would anyone 'ROB' nuns in a church compound so early in the morning?

Coincidence or not, the attack also comes hot on the heels of a political crisis in Terengganu state, where the shock resignations of three Umno elected representatives had left Najib badly embarrassed and politically vulnerable. While the Terengganu trio have since retracted their quit decisions, many political observers have wondered if the episode had been orchestrated by Najib's foes from within Umno to oust him from the premiership.

Early this morning, before the 6.30am mass, two Catholic nuns were viciously attacked on the grounds of the Church of Visitation in Seremban.

It is not known what was the motive although the government-controlled media have been quick to label it as a suspected robbery. Nonetheless, doubt and speculation have swirled given that the nuns were unlikely to be carrying much money while doing their rounds in the church compound and so early in the day.

According to a Facebook posting by Catholic priest Father Gregory Chan, one of the nuns, identified as Sister Juliana Lim, is warded at the Seremban Hospital and is in critical condition on a respirator.

The other nun who was attacked was Sister Mary-Rose and she is said to be receiving treatment for various injuries.

Both nuns from the Infant Jesus Convent, were left bruised, bleeding and in shock following the attack, said Fr Chan in his Facebook posting.

The priests had also posted this message on his Facebook page four hours ago:

"My dear friends, please pray for two of our IJ sisters - Srs. Julianna & Mary-Rose - who were viciously attacked & seriously injured in our Church grounds early this morning before Lauds & Mass had begun.

"The ambulance came for them. After masses at Visitation & Mt Carmel, I rushed to the Emergency Ward, & saw them bruised, bleeding & in shock.

"One is critical & on a respirator. As I anointed them, tears streamed down my face. I couldn't help it. How wicked it is to do this to our nuns, who have given their whole life to God. Nevertheless, let us pray for God's forgiveness upon them, & for their eventual conversion."

Fr Chan could not be reached for further comment.

Council of Churches worried it might be the work of ruthless quarters out to stir inter-religious conflict

Meanwhile, a news portal reported Seremban police chief Assistant Commissioner Zainal Abu as saying that the attack on the nuns was being investigated.

The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) today expressed shock over the attack on the nuns.

"The voices of antagonism and hatred have been on the increase in the country and it would be no surprise if the attack on the nuns were not conspired by those out to cause inter-religious conflict in the country.

"The police must investigate this case of outright religious intimidation and fear creation and bring those responsible to justice," said CCM general-secretary Reverend Hermen Shastri in a statement.

He said Christians throughout the country will pray for the two sisters, “that God will grant them peace in their hearts and a speedy recovery from their physical trauma”.

"May the Lord look down in mercy on those who have caused hurt to the two innocent sisters," Shastri added. - Malaysia Chronicle