Kit Siang urges return of the books and suggests “sensitisation” courses for police.
KUALA LUMPUR: DAP has questioned the silence of the Home Minister and the Inspector-General of Police in the face of controversy over the police seizure of hymn books in Tangkak, Johor.
In a press statement released today, DAP Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang noted that more than 10 days had passed since Johor police seized 31 hymn books containing the word “Allah” from Catholic priest Cyril Mannayagam.
The books were intended for distribution among Orang Asli Christians.
“Why are the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who would shoot off instant comments on matters under their purview, strangely quiet on this issue?” Lim asked.
He urged the immediate return of the books to Mannayagam and suggested that police personnel be sent for courses that would teach them to respect religious rights and sensitivities and keep up with legal developments.
He pointed out that the law used against Mannayagam, Section 298A of the Penal Code, had been ruled invalid by the then Supreme Court in 1988 in the case of Mamat bin Daud v Government of Malaysia.
“It is sad, shocking and outrageous that 20 days before Christmas, a religious festival which is accorded recognition as a national public holiday, is marred by another insensitive incident,” he said.
“Christmas festivities have started and the 31 hymn books unlawfully seized should be returned immediately to the Catholic priest for Christmas celebrations by the Orang Asli Christians.
“Let us all spread Christmas joy instead of Christmas grief.
“The police must learn a lesson from this deplorable episode and should be extra sensitive to the rights and sensitivities of a plural society of diverse races, religions, languages and cultures.”
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