Cow-head probe not over, says A-G

by Pearl Lee & Darshini Kandasamy

Hishammuddin wants culprits to be brought to book

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail says he will be able to decide earliest by next week whether to charge those behind last Friday’s cow-head protest in Shah Alam.

He told Malay Mail yesterday that the probe on the group of residents who protested against the relocation of a Hindu temple in Section 23, Shah Alam, and those who had brought the cow’s head to the Selangor State Secretariat building where the the protest was being held, was ongoing.

“I have gone through the files with the police on Wednesday and I have given instructions for further tatements to be recorded,” said Abdul Gani.

“Nobody’s dragging his feet here .... we need to ensure the matter is properly investigated in fairness to all parties”.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had on Wednesday said he would let the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers decide whether the group that had protested had violated any law, including the Sedition Act.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein also came out yesterday to dispute reports in several
pro-Opposition online news portals that he had come out in support of the protesters and justified the protest.

In a Press statement, the Home Minister stressed his ministry took a serious view of any issue that could
disrupt the harmony, unity, safety and stability of the country as well as of its multi-racial rakyat.

“We must acknowledge this country has national laws and rules that must be adhered to. In this matter, I cannot accept the actions of a few, who brought a religious symbol such as the cow's head, which clearly offended the feelings and religious beliefs of a certain group. I view this act as very serious and improper, as I have repeatedly stated before,” Hishammuddin said.

“With that, I have instructed the police to continue their investigations and to take stern action against anyone
responsible, specifically those who had tarnished the protest held by residents of Section 23 by bringing the cow’s head that created an overtly sensitive situation.”

He said police had identified those involved and will bring them to justice. Hishammuddin explained that on
Wednesday he held a meeting with the residents’ association and representatives of Section 23. He also contacted temple representatives to get the real picture of the situation.

He said he wanted to find a solution to the protest over the construction of the temple in the area to end the current situation.

During the meeting, he said he was able to hear for himself the residents’ grouses, including the purpose for
having the protest against the proposal to build a temple close to their homes, which clearly was not meant to hurt the feelings of any parties, including that of Hindus.

Yesterday, Opposition MPs and several Selangor exco members slammed the Home Minister and called for his sacking from the Cabinet after pro- Opposition news portals, notably the Malaysian Insider, suggested that the Minister was sympathetic towards the Malay-Muslim protesters.

MEETING CALLED OFF

A PEACE talk meeting between Section 23, Shah Alam, residents and Hindu Sangam leaders which was planned to be held at 10.30am today, has been called off.

A residents' action committee spokesman said it was cancelled as Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid
Ibrahim had also reportedly called for a meeting with the Sangam leaders about the same time.

The spokesman said he could not confirm if their meeting with the Sangam leaders had been cancelled or merely postponed.

He did not elaborate further.