Church in cross controversy illegal, says report

© TMIThe new church that was forced to remove its cross after a protest by residents in Taman Medan has been declared illegal by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), The Star Online reported.

The news portal said the corner shop lot unit did not have a licence to operate as a place of worship nor did it have a permit to put up a cross on its facade.

“Shop lots that are converted into places of worship or meditation centres must comply with Act 133 Section 70(12) and a written application with the activities described must be submitted for approval," MBPJ public relations officer Zainun Zakaria was quoted as saying.

"We need the compliance as to ensure safety of the people using the building,” she said.

However, no written application had yet to be submitted by the new church, said Zainun, adding that its representatives could still do so.

She said all places of worship wishing to display a logo or symbol on the building must have the council’s permit.

“Be it a lotus, trident or a cross, a council permit is needed,” Zainun was quoted as saying.

On Sunday, some 50 people gathered outside the new church to demand that the cross affixed to the building be removed.

One of the Umno leaders present at the protest was Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar, the older brother of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

The protesters reportedly said the presence of a cross in a Muslim-majority area posed a challenge to the religion and could sway the faith of youth.

The cross was taken down by church leaders a few hours later.

Yesterday, the IGP said there was no element of sedition in the protest, as the demonstration was not against Christianity, but the location of the church in a largely Malay-Muslim neighbourhood.

However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later confirmed the protest was seditious and that action would be taken against the locals. -tmi