Steer clear of Hindraf vigil, priest tells flock

Assumption Church's Father Phillips Muthu has urged his parishioners not to participate in a candlelight vigil planned by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) to protest against the attacks on churches.

The priest said while he welcomed the support and concern of all quarters, this issue however is best left in the hands of the authorities.

"Police have informed the public not to participate in any demonstrations. I reiterate that we should not join the vigil," he told Malaysiakini.

"It sends the wrong message as if the non-Muslims are going against the Muslims," he explained.

Muthu said the church has been dealing with the police and government over the attempted arson case.

In a statement earlier, the priest said his church, where a molotov cocktail was lobbed in, has nothing to do with the planned demonstration.

"I have constantly advised my parishioners to remain calm and not to react in any way which may be construed as rude or insulting to people of other faiths," he added.

Police issue warning

Yesterday, Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar warned the public not to participate in any demonstrations outside places of worship as this will only exacerbate the situation.

Referring to the planned demonstration outside the Assumption Church in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday, he said: "I have been informed that a SMS is being circulated, inviting people to assemble in front of the church, so I urge the public to discard any such plans."

"Let us carry out the investigations... let us handle it... do not take any action that may raise tension and aggravate the situation," he added.

Khalid said the police will not hesitate to take stern action against anyone who broke the law.

Hindraf calls off vigil

In a brief statement this afternoon, Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy said the movement has decided to call off the candlelight vigil.

"Having received feedback from Christian leaders and devotees and having consideration for the sentiments of Malaysian Christians and their leaders in such a bleak time and in due respect of their wishes, Hindraf is cancelling the vigil," he added.

Previously, Waythamoorthy said the vigil will be held to express the movement's serious concern and solidarity with Malaysian Christians.

Extending an invitation to all "peace loving and democratic minded Malaysians", he said the vigil will pose an opportunity to "express concern over the deteriorating freedom of religion and minority rights in the country and for all of us in one voice to let it be known that these violent and criminal acts must be dealt with in the strongest of terms by the government."

To date, eight churches have been attacked, mostly with molotov cocktails, in the Klang Valley, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Sarawak.