Hadi visits church, declares arson attacks 'un-Islamic' - Malaysiakini

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has strongly condemned yesterday's arson attacks on three churches in the Klang Valley as “un-Islamic”.

The hardline Muslim cleric told reporters that the firebombing of the churches were "senseless", after inspecting the damage at the Metro Tabernacle Church in Wangsa Maju this afternoon.

"Even in war, Muslims are forbidden from desecrating places of worships, what more now when we are living in peace," he said.

"I don't know if these people (the perpetrators) perform prayers," added Abdul Hadi, who was accompanied by his deputy, Nasharuddin Mat Isa.

Hadi was among several Pakatan Rakyat leaders who have visited the worst of the three arson sites in the wake of the attacks.

The administrative office of the church, located on the ground floor of the three-storey building, has been completely scorched, but the damage was so extensive that the entire building is rendered unusable.

Abdul Hadi's visit precedes the visit by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, scheduled at 5pm, whose party Umno has been blamed for fanning religious flames over last week's court decision to allow Catholic weekly The Herald to use the term 'Allah' in its Bahasa Malaysia section.

'Arrest the culprits'

Soon after Abdul Hadi's brief visit, PAS Youth chief Nasruddin Hassan and former MCA deputy president turned PKR leader Chua Jui Meng arrived at the scene.

Like the PAS president before them, the duo were given a tour of the destruction by senior pastor Rev Ong Sek Leang.

"This is cruel, the person responsible is inhumane and clearly not religious," Nasruddin (photo, centre) told reporters later.

Nasruddin said he had issued a statement yesterday to "disagree" with the arson attack, but after visiting the site, he now "strongly condemns" the act.

Both he and Hadi urged the authorities to act swiftly and apprehend those responsible.

Earlier this morning, MCA president and Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat visited the site and pledged to use his powers to help the church.

"This Sunday, the congregation would be using the San Choon Hall (at the MCA headquarters) for its Sunday service. We are mindful of other forms of assistance (they require)," he said.

Ong, a devout Buddhist, said he would assist the church in their attempt to relocate to Batu Caves and is even willing to help with fund raising.