MAHATHIR PLAYING ‘CAT & MOUSE’ WITH UMNO DESPERADOES? ALL EYES TURN ON WHO HE MEANS BY ‘OUTSIDERS’: ‘THIS IS NOT ABOUT MALAY VERSUS INDIAN – THERE IS A MASTERMIND ORCHESTRATING FROM BEHIND’

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has assured that there will not be any repeat of incidents surrounding the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya, which happened following news of its relocation, adding that he wants to end long-standing issues complicating Indian temples and their suitable locations.

Relating to Seafield, Dr Mahathir said it was obvious that there was external sinister power at play.

The Prime Minister said that after officiating the Education Ministry’s National Academic Awards on Tuesday night.

‘THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE THE GROUP  CAME FROM ELSEWHERE, IT IS NOT LOCAL PEOPLE. THERE IS A MASTERMIND ORCHESTRATING FROM BEHIND’

THE STAR

‘Outsiders’ responsible for temple violence – PM

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has revealed that outsiders masterminded Monday’s riot at the Sri Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights, Selangor.

He said that based on preliminary information available, the riot was not started by locals.

“This is not about Malays versus Indians. This problem was caused by people who came from elsewhere. It’s not local people.

“Outsiders were behind it,” he told reporters after attending the 12th National Academic Awards ceremony in Putrajaya tonight.

In a statement earlier, the prime minister had said the riot at the temple was criminal in nature and the perpetrators will be dealt with severely according to the law.

On accusations that police were slow to act regarding the crisis, he said police did not act aggressively because they had to be extra careful in handling sensitive issues.

On another matter, Mahathir, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson, said Bersatu accepted three former Johor Umno assemblypersons because they wanted to join the party and were already independent and neutral.

Johor PKR had voiced their unhappiness about Bersatu accepting Rasman Ithnain (Sedili) , Alwiyah Talib (Endau) and Rasleli Jahari (Johor Lama) into its fold. PH is made up of Bersatu, DAP, PKR and Amanah.

– Bernama

THE STAR / BERNAMA