IGP denies Kg Subang church attack and car-smashing in Bangsar

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani- The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 – IGP Tan Sri Musa Hasan denied reports of a church attack in Kampung Subang or cars being smashed in Bangsar that is linked to the ‘Allah’ ruling.

“He did not tell me so it did not happen,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman here.

There had been reports circulating in the city of such incidents which several media including The Malaysian Insider had earlier reported.

“I received an SMS today ... ‘Please remove any rosaries and religious articles in your car. They are smashing cars with Christians objects. There are protests going on in PJ, Shah Alam, and Bangsar.’

“It is a lie,” he stressed

Musa warned the public not to believe rumours from SMSes and the internet.

“If they have any questions, please contact the police. Do not believe the rumours,” he added.

Musa confirmed that there were three demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur, two in Pahang, four in Selangor and one in Terengganu.

“The duration of the protests was only 13 to 15 minutes and they dispersed when we asked them to ... so there were no street demonstrations.

“So since they have followed all the police requests, all of them have not been arrested,” he said.

He added that the situation was under control and there was “no untoward incidents happening.”

“I have also directed all CPOs in all states to do patrols and to monitor mosques and churches so we do not want any untoward incidents happening at the mosques or churches.

“We do not want people to blame one another later on. We will be monitoring the situation for the next two to three days,” he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein also warned the media not sensationalise the issue.

“I would like the co-operation of the media to actually come out with the right facts and information because there is so much disinformation out there and we are actually playing with fire.

“I hope that any parties that would like to exploit the issue and situation must always remember that they are playing with fire,” he said.

He also believes that the country will be able to cope with the current crisis.

“The challenges that we faced from independence, which is our diversity, are still our challenge ... that needs to be addressed with wisdom and courage.

“What needs to be done will be done,” he said.