Lawyer urges AG to lay more charges on man who attacked temple

The attorney-general has been urged to lay more than one charge against a man who attacked a Hindu temple in Matang, Perak on Oct 18.

Malaysian Advancement Party legal adviser S Karthigesan said apart from charging the assailant with possession of weapons, charges specifically addressing places of worship, namely Section 295 and Section 297 of the Penal Code, should have been applied.

Section 295 relates to “injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class” while Section 297 refers to “trespassing of places of worship”.

These charges prescribe a maximum jail sentence of two years and one year respectively.

Karthigesan argued that applying these charges, which he deemed more relevant, would demonstrate that the Attorney-General’s Chambers is serious in handling offences related to religious minorities.

“I urge the AG to reconsider the charges he has preferred against this man in light of the seriousness of the offence committed,” he said.

On Oct 22, labourer Firdaus Taufek, 22, claimed trial for possession of two hammers at the Sri Mangalanayagi Amman Temple, Matang, between 7am and 7.30am on Oct 18.

The charge against him was framed under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive, Explosive Substances, and Offensive Weapons Act 1958. If found guilty, the accused can be jailed for up to 10 years and whipped.

The Star reported on Oct 18 that the accused damaged a statue at the temple and was arrested at his home hours later.

Perak deputy police chief Azizi Mat Aris said eyewitnesses claimed the accused was clad only in his underwear when the incident happened and tested positive for cannabis. - Mkini