22 police reports lodged against Christian conference

Police are carrying out thorough investigations and have advised the organisers to obey the law.

JOHOR BAHRU: Police here yesterday received 22 reports from various quarters objecting to a religious festival set to be held at three locations in the state, and circulation of a video trailer on the Internet.

It is understood that the name of the programme, ‘MforJ2015 Take Possession of The Land Kingdom Conference, Festival of God’s Power and Church Family Camp 2015′.

Johor police chief Rusli Ahmad said he received 12 reports from Umno and 10 from non-Malay non-governmental organisations.

“As of 5.30pm, five reports were received by the district police headquarters of Johor Bahru Selatan, Johor Baharu Utara (five), Kluang (three), Segamat (six), Mersing (one), and Kota Tinggi (two),” he said when contacted yesterday.

Rusli said police would carry out a thorough investigation with the cooperation of the Johor Islamic Religious Department.

According to him, the organiser of the festival had already been summoned to provide an explanation.

“The organiser said the event at two locations, in the city and Mersing have been cancelled because the owners of the premises did not grant permission to use the venues.

“The organiser said the event at a hotel in the city would proceed; the hotel gave permission because it would be held behind closed doors,” he said, adding that the organiser was told to obey the law.

Meanwhile, Tebrau Umno Youth chief Syahrin Md Jamaludin lodged a report at Dato Onn police station here at 2.57pm.

“We hope the organiser will alter its programme in consideration of other religions and races in Johor.

“We also hope the local authority would be more discerning in their decision to issue permits,” he said.

— BERNAMA