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On April 19, some 50 people gathered outside the Community of Praise Petaling Jaya, located in a shoplot in Taman Medan, demanding the cross affixed to the building facade be taken down.
They said the cross challenged Islam and would sway the faith of Muslims in the area.
Among the protesters was Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar, the brother of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who said he was there to help calm the situation.
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8 December 2015
CCM upset by inaction over Taman Medan church protest
…
A Christian body has expressed disappointment over Putrajaya’s decision to not act against the protesters who demanded the removal of a cross at a church in Taman Medan last April.
The actions of the protesters were an act of interference with the freedom of worship of the church members, said Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, general-secretary of the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM).
In a statement today, he said CCM regretted that the authorities thought it fit to close the case.
“It is important that the freedom of worship of persons of all faiths be protected by the authorities at all times, and any interference with this constitutional right be taken seriously.
“CCM expresses regret that the authorities have thought it fit to close the case.”
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15 October 2015
Remember this?
Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor told Malaysiakini that action would be taken against UMNO members involved once the police conclude their investigations into the case.
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Church protest – Umno members let off the hook
.@TengkuAdnanReal: Church protest – #Umno members let off the hook https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315874
Several Umno grassroots leaders who took part in a protest against a church in Taman Medan, Selangor on April 19 have been let off the hook with a warning issued by their party.
Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the party would not take disciplinary action against them as it was satisfied with their explanations.
“They already explained. I think they amicably spotted the problem themselves,” he told Malaysiakini.
“We accept their explanation,” said Tengku Adnan, who is also federal territories minister.
“The issue has been sorted out, it’s okay. No disciplinary (action),” he repreated.
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Cops will ensure safety when church puts up cross http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/301480
The Home Ministry is confident the police will ensure safety at the Taman Medan church when it puts up the cross it was forced to take down following the protest on April 19.
“I am confident the police will cooperate when asked for assistance from the church,” Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said during his wrap-up of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The church members want police to guarantee their safety when they install the cross, MP Hee Loy Sian (PKR-Petaling Jaya Selatan) said.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/301480
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Malaysiakini
8:11AM Jun 9, 2015
Wan Junaidi can’t say if church can re-install cross
PARLIAMENT Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is not sure whether sentiments around Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya, after the protest against a church there two months ago, will allow it to put up the cross that was removed.
“I am from Sarawak. If this happened there, I will say ‘yes’, you can put back (the cross).
“But here, we got to look at the environment.I cannot answer the question at the moment as I don’t know what the environment is really like.
“You have to observe the sensitivities of the environment,” Wan Junaidi told reporters at the Parliament lobby last night.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/301162
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They will put back the cross when the contractor hired to do the job is available.
Malaysian Insider
Cross to rise again in Taman Medan
Rev Paul Packianathan of the Community of Praise Petaling Jaya Church told The Malaysian Insider that the church leadership has decided that the cross will be put up again and that the timing would depend on the availability of the contractor they have commissioned for the job.
He also said that nobody could deny the church its symbol of faith.
…
When asked if he was afraid that there will be further protests if the cross is put back, Paul said today that the question should be posed to the authorities concerned.
“That is a question for the authorities, what they will do if there is another protest,” he said.
He added that as Malaysians, they just wanted to live in peace and harmony.
“We want to live in peace with everyone and don’t want any hassle.
“At the same time it is our symbol and nobody can deny us that,” he added.
– See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cross-to-rise-again-in-taman-medan#sthash.U8pSBokT.dpuf
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Malaysiakini
5:00PM Apr 29, 2015
Cops probe cross protest under PAA, trespassing
Cops probe cross protest under PAA, trespassing http://bit.ly/1EC9PcI #TamanMedan
The Selangor police headquarters has taken over investigations of the Taman Medan church protest, and are probing it under the Peaceful Assembly Act and the Penal Code for trespassing.
“(The case is being investigated) under the Peaceful Assembly Act, and for trespassing under the Penal Code,” Selangor CID chief Mohd Adnan Abdullah told Malaysiakini.
Selangor police chief Abu Samah Mat then clarified that this is only the initial parameters.
“For the purpose of the investigation, we are classifying it in the early stages under the PAA and Penal Code.
“But when the investigation is complete, we will review the evidence to see if there is any other offences, including if there is an offence under the Sedition Act,” he told Malaysiakini.
He said police have questioned a large number of people, but refused to say who had been called.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/296809
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1:21AM Apr 29, 2015
Cops: IGP’s brother did not break the law
Abdullah Abu Bakar, the brother of inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, did not violate any law when taking part in a protest outside a church in Petaling Jaya on April 19.
This was based on the preliminary findings from police investigations, reported Sin Chew Daily, quoting Petaling Jaya district police chief Azmi Abu Kassim.
“Based on the current investigation outcome, Abdullah did not violate any law during the protest.
“The police will only decide upon completing its investigations (today) whether the protest was illegal,” Azmi was quoted as saying.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/296732
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Isma flays ‘coward’ Najib, MB over cross protest http://bit.ly/1zdNnXd .@NajibRazak .@AzminAli .@ikatanmuslimin
6:21PM Apr 27, 2015
Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia has (Isma) condemned Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali as “cowards”.
The movement’s deputy president Abdul Rahman Dali said Muslims in Malaysia are disappointed with their handling of the “Christianisation” issue in Taman Medan.
He pointed out that Muslims felt slighted that the nation’s leaders were racing to win over the hearts of Christians and neglected the concerns of Muslims in the process.
“You cannot expect anything from leaders like Najib and Azmin because they are unable to defend the position of Islam and tackle the growing aggressiveness of (Christian) evangelists
“What is more disappointing is when they (political leaders) and Islamic leaders are ignorant about the evangelists’ agenda be it in Malaysia or globally.
“On the contrary, they (political leaders) in chasing votes, race with one another to support the ‘cunning’ agenda of the evangelists and ignore the concerns of local residents,” he added.
‘They are testing us’
Abdul Rahman said the move by the church, which is said to be without permit, to raise a cross in a Muslim-majority area is a “bold tactic to test Muslim reaction”.
“Their notorious tactic is clear. If we (Muslims) oppose, we would be attacked and called extremists.
“If we allow, they would continue with their ‘church planting’ operation which is to open more churches in Muslim areas as part of their effort to spread their teaching and proselytise Muslims,” he added.
Therefore, Abdul Rahman called on Muslims in Malaysia to be aware of the evangelist movement and not to be tricked by their tactic.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/296574
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Zurairi AR A week after cross protest, flowers and goodwill at Taman Medan church http://buff.ly/1OrLDQL Nice gesture
PETALING JAYA, April 26 — Just a week after a tense protest resulted in a cross being taken down from a Taman Medan church, a group of Malaysians came with flowers to show support and with messages of goodwill.
Azrul Mohd Khalib, the Malaysians for Malaysia group coordinator, said the group is in support of the church and the community here.
“We feel for you in this trying time and we would like to say we are Malaysians of multi ethnicity and of multi-religions and we believe in the freedom of religion and we should be able to worship in the way we want to. This is a guarantee under the Federal Constitution.
“Honestly speaking we are all brothers and sisters, whether as citizens of this country or in faith but we are here for you,” he told the church pastors before handing over a bouquet of flowers to Pastor Victoria Packianathan.
Earlier, around 10 individuals from the Malaysians for Malaysia group went around the neighbourhood handing out stalks of purple flowers and they also gave them to members of the church.
The church’s Senior Pastor Paul Packianathan then thanked all Malaysians for their “outpouring of support” after the protest, turning emotional for a while before continuing to address the media.
The senior pastor also expressed a desire for continued peace, saying: “I pray that Malaysia will go back to its glorious days where there was peace as we had in the sixties and seventies.”
Later, activist Ally Hazran Hashim — who is not from the Taman Medan community — approached the senior pastor and apologised on behalf of the Muslim protesters and offered support on behalf of Muslims.
“There are many Muslims who felt very bad about this incident. We want this Malaysia to be peaceful as you said,” the 50-year-old said, stressing that Islam represents peace and expressing hope that Malaysians will respect each other.
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About 10 people, led by Azrul Mohd Khalib, the Malaysians for Malaysia group coordinator, turned up today in solidarity with the church that was at the centre of last Sunday’s protest.
Malaysian Insider
After tensions over church, flowers for Taman Medan residents
The distribution of flowers in the Taman Medan neighbourhood today following a protest a week ago against a church drew mixed reactions from local residents.
Some appeared taken aback when a group from the Malaysians for Malaysia movement went around handing out flowers in the Muslim-majority area where the protest occurred outside the Community of Praise Petaling Jaya church last Sunday.
A man who was approached with some flowers at a mamak restaurant at the commercial area where the church’s shop lot building is located asked the group if the flower distribution activity was religious-related.
“The man was asked if it was ‘Anglican’. I assume he was asking if it is the church that distributed the flower. I said no,” said Malaysians for Malaysia group member.
While some gave those handing out flowers the cold shoulder, others appeared quite receptive.
– See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/after-tensions-over-church-flowers-for-taman-medan-residents#sthash.jmDi3pn2.dpuf
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Stating that the message of the cross is one forgiveness, Packianathan said that they had forgiven the protestors that made a stir last Sunday.
Star
Sunday April 26, 2015 MYT 1:18:12 PM
I would’ve hugged them, says pastor of ‘cross’ protesters
Packianathan (with arm raised holding a flower), pastor Victoria (in orange sari) and Loo (Packianathan’s left) with members of the congregation, supporters and members of the NGO outside the church on Sunday
PETALING JAYA: The Taman Medan church congregation will wait for “divine enlightenment” before deciding whether to put up their cross on the shoplot facade.
“Are we going to put up the cross again? Right now, the answer is simple. We are waiting for the Lord to direct us on what we should do next,” said senior pastor Paul Packianathan outside the church on Sunday morning.
The Selangor government had given the green light to the church to put back the cross on the shoplot facade. The cross was taken down after a group of residents protested outside the church last Sunday.
The teary-eyed pastor choked on his words slightly as he thanked all Malaysians for their outpouring of support, on behalf of the Taman Medan church community.
“I pray Malaysia will go back to the glorious days when things were peaceful, like in the 60s and 70s,” he said.
He also voiced full support for pastor Victoria Selammal’s decision to agree to take down the cross last week.
“I applaud her composure and for keeping the Sunday service going then,” he said.
Stating that the message of the cross is one forgiveness, Packianathan said that they had forgiven the protestors that made a stir last Sunday.
“We forgive them, no problem. If they were here, I’d hug them,” he said, grinning
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At Taman Medan church w YBs @heeloysian @limlipeng & @teresakok. Freedom of religion must be respected for all faiths
The church, which hosts a charismatic service in Tamil, sees a regular attendance of about 50 worshippers.
Star
Sunday April 26, 2015 MYT 11:08:45 AM
Show of support as Taman Medan church holds service
PETALING JAYA: Parishioners from the Beacon of Hope church in Taman Sri Manja turned up to show their support for the church in Taman Medan that was forced to remove the cross following a protest by residents last Sunday.
The group of about 10 arrived at the church at 10am led by Rev. Joseph Vergis on Sunday.
The church was having its first Sunday service since the incident where a group of about 50 protesters demanded the removal of the cross from the shoplot facade. They also asked that the church move out of the Malay-majority neighbourhood.
“We are here to show our support. We have friends who are here,” Vergis told reporters who were gathered outside the church.
Present to show their support were Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Petaling Jaya Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian as well as Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
Kok presented a bouquet of flowers to senior pastor Paul Packianathan at the church.
“The reason I came is to see what’s happening and also to express our support and solidarity to this church. That’s why you are all here!” she added.
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Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong says, “Continue with your religious activities.”
Star
Sunday April 26, 2015 MYT 7:09:11 AM
Go on with religious activities, Taman Medan church told
ROMPIN: A church committee here has been assured by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong that its congregation can continue with their religious activities in a shoplot.
Following the Taman Medan cross issue, the church committee had been worried over its right to operate out of the shoplot in Kuala Rompin here.
The church leaders sought a dialogue with Wee yesterday, who told them that their right to practise their religion was protected under the Federal Constitution.
“Since the commercial shoplot belongs to the church, I do not see any problem with them continuing to worship in the premises,” Dr Wee said after the dialogue.
“They are worried that they may need a permit but I do not think they need to notify anyone since the police are also aware of their activities,” he said.
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The Big Read: Malaysia’s dangerous turn down the road of religious politics
THE BIG READ: Malaysia’s dangerous turn down the road of religious politics http://tdy.sg/1EAFME3
SINGAPORE — The furore over an anti-cross protest at a church in Selangor that has grabbed headlines over the past week is a development in Malaysian politics that has been brewing for some time and is a result of actions taken by the dominant Malay party in the country as it seeks to shore up its popularity among the majority race in the nation.
Analysts and observers said race and religion have always featured in Malaysian politics, but the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has until now focused on the racial angle as leverage to strengthen its grip on power — the most obvious example being the bumiputra policy. But this has changed after UMNO’s poor showing in the 2013 general election, where the party lost the popular vote; the battle lines are now also drawn around religion.
Analysts added that this does not bode well for Malaysia. Social order, which is already tenuous, will come under further pressure as positions harden and moderate segments of society push back against those politicising race and religion.
“Since race has slowly become ineffective as a way to polarising society to strengthen certain parties’ hold on power, it has over the past few years become the fashion to use religion as the means by which the division of Malaysian society can continue,” Dr Ooi Kee Beng, deputy director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies said in an email interview with TODAY.
“It has come so far now that it is not so much about negotiating as outright resistance. The traditional elite will be speaking out more and more. The question is, since it involves religion, the countervailing attacks on them may get very nasty,” added Dr Ooi.
The strong reaction from a broad coalition of moderate Muslims and politicians against the anti-cross protest not only exposed the rift between ultra and moderate Muslims, it could be a harbinger of things of come.
…
“This cross protest is merely one in a series of many similar incidents. It has now become a trend where certain pro-government groups would play up racial and religious issues one after another with the intention to cause tension,” Mr Zairil Khir Johari, an opposition Member of Parliament from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), told TODAY.
“This is also in line with the recent right-wing bent of the government, especially in the reintroduction of indefinite detention without trial and the tightening of the Sedition Act. We are seeing a government that is using the pretext of racial and religious instability as justification to reinforce its grip on power.”
Read the rest of this article here:
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When I was done with my interviews, I drove to the church to get a last look. A motorcyclist almost knocked my car. The driver glared angrily at me.
My heart skipped a beat. Thank God that there was no accident. I could have become hot news for the wrong reason.
Star
One Man’s Meat
Published: Saturday April 25, 2015 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Saturday April 25, 2015 MYT 7:37:17 AM
A drive through Taman Megah
IF you didn’t follow the news over the last one week, you wouldn’t know that the first-floor shoplot in Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya was the centre of a controversy.At 4.38pm on Thursday, it was void of activity.
The corner-lot church is one of the two dozen shoplots on Jalan PJS 2B/3, where only four shops are open – a 24-hour self-service laundry, a snooker centre, a karaoke joint and a newly-opened gym.
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The shoplots, next to the New Pantai Expressway connecting Bangsar to Subang Jaya, were completed about two years ago. Known as Metro Square, the commercial lots look out of place amongst the dilapidated pigeonhole flats.
“Why are the shops vacant?” I asked Balan, a 60-something Taman Medan community mediator who did not want to be named.
“It is hidden. Not safe. There are gangsters. And there are drug addicts,” said Balan as he drove me around the notorious Taman Medan that saw racial clashes between Indians and Malays in 2001.
Click here are read:
http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Columnists/One-Mans-Meat/?c=08F5D721-FB58-4715-99A4-B417CBDCBF5D
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Malay Mail Online
Call us if you need help, Selangor cops tell Taman Medan church
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 ― The police will respond to any cry for help from the Taman Medan church, Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah Mat said today after a pastor voiced concern for the safety of his congregation following last Sunday’s cross protest.
Abdul Samah said the Petaling Jaya police chief has been asked to liaise with the Taman Medan church, and gave his assurance that the police will “act accordingly” if contacted by the church.
“I told the OCPD to collaborate with the church. In case they need any assistance, they will let us know,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted today.
Yesterday, a pastor of the Taman Medan church reportedly sought for protection from the police on behalf of his congregation.
According to news portal Malaysiakini, the pastor expressed fear in his report to the police, particularly due to the angry reaction of one protester, and asked that enforcers be present at the church vicinity in the Muslim-majority neighbourhood.
The police are currently investigating the demonstration and have reportedly interviewed 12 individuals ― namely 10 protesters, the church pastor and Taman Lindungan Jaya Umno branch chief Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar.
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Malaysian Insider
Church waits for written consent from Azmin to restore cross
The Taman Medan church that was forced to remove a cross from its building during a protest will only put it up again after it gets written consent from Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Lawyer Derek Fernandez said the church took this stand as it feared for the safety of its representatives and parishioners.
“The church will seek the assistance from MBPJ as well as the police when they put up the cross again to avoid any untoward incident,” said Fernandez when met at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters today.
He was there to accompany the church representative who was called by the police to assist in their investigation into the protest.
“The church representative was called in for additional information. The investigating officer was very professional. He had asked for more details from her in connection with the incident,” said Fernandez.
He said that the session with police lasted two hours.
…
Fernandez today said his client was still traumatised by Sunday’s incident.
He said his client has also mentioned about a police officer being present during the protest and had asked them to meet up with the group.
“They were in fear and frightened and could not understand why the police officer asked them to meet up with these people,” said Fernandez.
He said that police should have not have facilitated the group’s effort to intimidate the church.
“The police should have told the group to lodge an official complaint with the authority,” he said.
Fernandez said the church was relocated from Seri Setia to Taman Medan as its parishioners stay nearby.
“It is not a new church,” he said.
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Malay Mail Online
This Sunday, Taman Medan folk to receive flowers in solidarity gathering
Azrul Mohd Khalib (left) says this Sunday’s gathering at Taman Medan is a non-political initiative that will be attended by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike as well as Malaysians of all races.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 ― The Taman Medan church in Petaling Jaya will again see a gathering outside its doors this Sunday, but this time, participants will be distributing flowers to the congregation and other residents in the Malay-majority neighbourhood.
The purpose of the gathering, organised by “Malaysians for Malaysia”, is to promote peace and religious understanding, and to offer support to those still shaken from the religious storm sparked by last weekend’s cross protest.
Azrul Mohd Khalib, a coordinator for the group, said the event is a non-political initiative that will be attended by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike as well as Malaysians of all races.
He said the event will be similar to another solidarity gathering last January outside of a Klang church that was held amid tensions over the use of the word “Allah” by Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians.
“We will be giving flowers to the Christian community and those who are there, including people who don’t agree to the church,” the social activist told Malay Mail Online when contacted earlier this week.
Azrul said the “Malaysians for Malaysia” group wants to “show solidarity and support” by changing the current narrative propagated by the protesters last week ― that the Christian symbol of the cross amounts to proselytisation and can corrupt the minds of Muslim youths.
“Right now, the narrative is that the cross can’t be on churches and if you look at it, it also insinuates that the church should not be there because it’s a Muslim area.
“We say a place of worship is a place of worship. It should be respected by all. It’s a constitutional right for people to practise their religion, freedom of religion,” he said.
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Not surprisingly, Perkasa speaks up for the protestors. What is surprising is that it took Perkasa so long before it said anything.
Malay Mail Online
Can’t blame residents for protesting illegal church, Perkasa chapter tells Selangor exco
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — A Selangor official should not condemn the protesters who forced a church to remove its cross in Taman Medan as it was operating illegally, the local chapter of Perkasa said today.
Selangor Perkasa chief Abu Bakar Yahya said that Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong was wrong to have disputed the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) for saying that the church did not have the necessary permits.
Wong said the Selangor state committee on non-Islamic affairs (HESI) has since 2008 allowed churches to operate in commercial premises without permits and required only that it be notified.
“We (Selangor Perkasa) feel that Elizabeth’s statement runs contrary to MBPJ’s statement which had stated that any religious centres operating in commercial areas must abide by Act 133 Section 70 (12) of the local laws,” Abu Bakar said in a statement here.
The law on the matter clearly stated that official permission must be obtained before the church could operate legally in Taman Medan, he added.
“In addition, the church does not have permission to hang the cross on their premise before getting consent from MBPJ,” the Perkasa leader stressed.
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Malay Mail Online
Fearing safety, Taman Medan church seeks police protection
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 ― A pastor of the Taman Medan church at the centre of a religious row has applied on behalf of his congregation for protection from the police, following the uproar caused by last Sunday’s protest by Muslim residents.
According to Malaysiakini, the pastor expressed fear in his report to the police, particularly due to the angry reaction of one protestor, and asked that enforcers be present at the church vicinity in the Malay-majority neighbourhood.
“I would like to request police presence to be around… for fear of any untoward incidents towards me and my members,” the pastor was quoted by the news portal as saying in the report.
– See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/fearing-safety-taman-medan-church-seeks-police-protection#sthash.FmzQdvtT.dpuf
Fearful pastor seeks police protection
A church in Taman Medan, which was the target of a protest on Sunday demanding for it to remove a cross from its building, is seeking police protection.
In a police report lodged by the church, its pastor said he felt fearful for his and the congregation’s safety particularly after one of the protesters reacted angrily when he met them.
“I would like to request police presence to be around… for fear of any untoward incidents towards me and my members,” added the pastor in the report sighted by Malaysiakini.
According to the police report, a protester holding a placard had disrupted the service by opening the church’s door. The protester was standing at the entrance but left when approached.
A police officer then informed the church that there were people downstairs who wanted to meet the person in charge and after repeated delays as the service was ongoing, the pastor agreed to do so.
“A lady spoke to me and told me that when people open their windows they can see the cross. A ‘Datuk Abdullah’ and three others were with her. She spoke politely to me.
“One of the other man wearing a red traditional Malay costume with a black songkok, looked very angry and told us to bring the cross down now.
“He looked very angry, I looked at him and then spoke to the lady and said I would do it because I was fearful for our members’ safety and I just wanted to diffuse the situation.
“I felt his anger and I was distressed and was fearful thinking about my our safety,” said the pastor.
…
The pastor said the conversation lasted between five to 10 minutes and the “Datuk Abdullah” also informed that he will lodge a complaint with the Petaling Jaya City Council the following day.
“I did not go down for fear as the man in red looked very angry.
“His body language put fear in me. Then I asked someone to help bring down the cross and it was brought down at about 1.30pm,” added the pastor.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/296164?hootPostID=72d88070b786ec6b4983b401545c7a4d
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Star
Wednesday April 22, 2015 MYT 10:11:45 PM
Cross protest: Police question IGP’s brother for four hours
…
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar the elder brother of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar, was questioned by police for about four hours on Wednesday.
The Taman Lindungan Jaya Umno branch chief arrived at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters here in a black Toyota Landcruiser at 4.10pm and was questioned by station chief Asst Supt Mohd Khairul Zaman Wahab. He emerged later at 8pm.
“I am very tired. I just hope everything is going to be okay,” he told reporters.
“They (police) asked me all aspects and I answered. They didn’t tell me under what Act they were investigating,” Abdullah said.
When asked to divulge details of the four-hour long meeting, including the questions asked, he refused to comment.
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Facade of Taman Medan church remains bare despite assurances of right to put cross http://tdy.sg/1OdqSbh
KUALA LUMPUR — The facade of a new church in Taman Medan remained bare today (April 22), despite assurances by the Selangor state government that it has every right to affix a cross on the outer wall of their shoplot.
A check by Malay Mail Online at around noon showed that the Community of Praise Petaling Jaya Church has yet to replace the cross that it was forced to remove last Sunday when protesters descended on their unit.
The grille at the stairway to the Community of Praise Petaling Jaya Church was also locked and there was no visible activity near the area.
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THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT US ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY…
TODAY’s COVER STORY: Rift between ultra & moderate Muslims in M’sia laid bare by cross furore http://tdy.sg/1DeGL6O
Religious tolerance concerns in Malaysia after protest sparks removal of church cross http://cna.asia/1bocRGD
…- POSTED: 21 Apr 2015 16:38
“We have to be concerned,” said Saifuddin Abdullah, CEO, Global Movement of Moderates. “First you have the issue over the use of “Allah” by Christians; then there was the seizing of bibles; and then you had a group of people complaining about a Hindu temple in Putrajaya; and now you have people protesting in front of a church because of a cross symbol.”
He added: “Even though these are isolated incidences – and I’d like to believe they’re all not related to each other – if you look at the big picture, this is not what Islam is about. Secondly, this goes against what the constitution says.”
Mr Saifuddin’s organisation was started by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to seek understanding among communities. He believes the authorities need to help mediate a just resolution to the problem.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) however, has cleared demonstrators of any wrongdoing – including one of the key figures there, his elder brother, Abdullah Abu Bakar
“The IGP should actually free himself from the case because there is a clear conflict of interest,” said Mr Saifuddin. “It doesn’t matter if his brother was the leader or a negotiator. The fact was his brother was involved, and he should take a leave of absence from this case and allow the Home Minister to appoint someone else.”
Questions over the legality of the Taman Medan church were also raised. But the Opposition-led state of Selangor has indicated it will support the church’s right to exist.
“The town planning approval falls under the state and so long as the state does not succumb to pressure by this very small group, I don’t think it’s going to have any problems with the state authorities,” said Rafizi Ramli, PKR secretary-general.
…
Meanwhile, some Malaysians have taken to social media to make light of the idea of a cross confusing their beliefs. The postings include shared photos of hidden crosses seen in everyday situations, including a tweet showing an image of Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
– CNA/rw
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/cross-protest-raises/1798166.html?cid=twtcna
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#Malaysia PM Najib orders police to investigate anti-church protest http://bit.ly/1HqGZgi
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Star
Tuesday April 21, 2015 MYT 8:23:07 PM
PM Najib: Cops to investigate ‘cross’ protest
ETALING JAYA: Police will investigate the recent “cross” protest at a church in Taman Medan, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday.
“If the protesters violate the country’s laws, action can be taken against them under the Sedition Act or other existing laws.
“The Cabinet feels that members of the group should have discussed about the issue with the authorities if they have objections and not take action that can cause anxiety among the multiracial society in Malaysia,” said the Prime Minister in a statement.
He said the people must obey the laws of the country and respect the religious practices of various faiths as enshrined in the Constitution.
“We have to practise tolerance and respect for other races from different religious backgrounds. The Sedition Act is aimed at maintaining peace and harmony of all races in the country and it protects all races and religions,” he added.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/21/Church-protest-Najib/
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Cheng said that the reason he wanted to tell Janah’s story was to show friends and the public that the protest in Taman Medan was not a true reflection of the attitude of Malaysians.
Cross protest: Friendship and professionalism
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The Star
Tuesday April 21, 2015 MYT 5:47:56 PM
Cross protest: Friendship and professionalism made me come to fellow reporter’s aid
PETALING JAYA: Friendship and cameraderie as journalists was what spurred 29-year-old Sinar Harian reporter Janatul Firdaus Yaacob to come to the aid of a fellow reporter during Sunday’s “cross” protest.
“What I did for Nicholas, I would do for anyone else. I did it professionally as a reporter and to help a friend. There is no racial or religious issue about it,” she said.
During the protest in Taman Medan, some demonstrators had behaved in a threatening manner to The Star reporter, Nicholas Cheng after he posed questions to them in a manner they took offence to.
Janatul, or Janah as she is better known, had come to Cheng’s rescue when she sensed the escalating tension.
“He came up to me and holding a camera so I knew he was a reporter,” said Janah, adding that Cheng introduced himself as a journalist from The Star.
“Later, he came back to me saying, ‘Janah, if I get beaten up, please call the police’. I replied, ‘OK'”, the good-natured Janah explained.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/21/Cross-protest-jannah-nick/
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Selangor gov’t says no need permit, return cross to its place http://bit.ly/1FbsSLD
The Selangor government has advised the Taman Desa church to return the cross to its place.
The church removed the cross from outside its building after a protest by local Muslims last Sunday.
Executive council (exco) member Elizabeth Wong said state policy since 2008 is to allow places of worship at commercial units without permits as long as the state committee on non-Islam affairs is notified.
As such, she said, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ)’s public relations officer erred in saying the church has no permit.
“We have advised the church to return the cross to its original site to stop this precedent of mob rule by politically-aligned extremists,” she added in a statement.
Wong is co-chair of the state committee on non-Islam affairs.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295963
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No more comments please, says IGP .@KBAB51 http://bit.ly/1Db7pO3
Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has refused to comment on conflicting statements if the Taman Medan protest on Sunday was seditious.
“I have said it (yesterday), I don’t want to repeat myself,” he said.
Khalid promised the police would investigate any reports on the protest, but repeatedly shot down queries on which section it would be investigated.
“We will investigate all reports, I’ve said this five times already,” he said before ending the press conference.
Khalid earlier told reporters not to sensationalise the issue.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295957
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IGP .@KBAB51: I’ll not interfere if brother probed http://bit.ly/1Db2Z9V
nspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has vowed not to interfere if an investigation is launched on his brother regarding the protest outside a church in Taman Medan.
“Every police report made (about the protest) will be investigated […] I am not worried if action is taken against my brother.
“I will not interfere with the police investigations […]
“I am very professional. Brotherly sentiments will not influence me,” he told reporters in Bukit Aman.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295955
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Star
Tuesday April 21, 2015 MYT 12:38:52 PM
MBPJ classifies Taman Medan church as illegal
PETALING JAYA: City council officers have classified the church in Taman Medan at the centre of the “cross protest” as unlicensed as it has not submitted a written application to operate as a place of worship.
It was also revealed that the church at Metro Square PJS2B/3 had no permit to put up a cross on its building.
PJ City Council (MBPJ) public relations officer Zainun Zakaria said a three-hour licensing data check has revealed that the shoplot used as a church “does not have a license to operate as a place of worship”.
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Zainun said the church could make a written application for a licence.
“Shoplots that are converted into places of worship or meditation centres must comply to Act 133 Section 70(12) and a written application with the activities described must be submitted for approval. We need these compliance as to ensure safety of the people using the building,” she said.
She added that all places of worship intending to display a logo or symbol on the building must comply with the council’s permit.
“Be it a lotus, trident or a cross, a council permit is needed,” said Zainun.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/21/Cross-protest-Taman-Medan-no-licence/
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IMO no one should be probed with Sedition, not even the Taman Medan vampires.
You’d be hard pressed to tell this was a church at all here in Taman Medan. No signage -and no longer any cross
Taman Medan residents have mixed views on church protests http://fw.to/4wAUCNM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4nN6sBgeOs … …
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Is this Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar, who led the protest against the cross in a church in Taman Medan?
Malay Mail Online
Pua: IGP condoning thuggery, biased by absolving cross protest involving brother
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 — Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s exculpation of the protesters who forced a church to remove a cross outside its building is dubious as his brother was involved in the incident, DAP’s Tony Pua said.
According to the Petaling Jaya Utara MP, the Inspector-General of Police should also have refrained from announcing that no criminal or seditious element was involved in the protest when no investigation had been conducted.
“The fact that the IGP has dismissed the case against the protestors without even commencing any form of official investigation calls into question the IGP’s impartiality and judgement, especially in the light of the fact that the leader of the protestors was his own elder brother, Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar,” Pua said in a statement this morning.
Pua also labelled Khalid’s assertion that protest was not unlawful simply because it did not turn violent as “dumbfounding”, saying that both the Sedition Act and Section 298(A)(1) of the Penal Code did not require physical aggression to be present for an offence to occur.
Section 298(A)(1) criminalises actions that cause disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will; or damage the preservation of harmony on religious grounds. -biased-by-absolving-cross-protest-involving-brot#sthash.tBsIg2Ew.dpuf
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Malay Mail Online
In Sarawak, Christian, Dayak leaders demand probe on Selangor cross protesters
KUCHING, April 21 ― Christian and Dayak leaders here want the Selangor authorities to investigate the Muslim protesters who forced a Petaling Jaya church to remove a cross from its facade, with some saying the protest should be categorised as a sedition crime.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS Baru) president Louis Jarau described the protesters as small-minded and misguided individuals bent on harassing Christians over a symbol that he said should not be seen as a challenge to Islam.
“Why are they so scared of the cross, anyway? The cross is a symbol of Christianity and to demand for its removal from a church is beyond me,” Jarau said when contacted yesterday.
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The Dayak National Congress (DNC) secretary-general added that there was no way to justify the group’s demand that the church take down its cross.
“If we want to follow the same logic, the Christians should ask for the removal of the Islamic religious teachers from Peninsular Malaysia serving in many rural schools in Sarawak where 100 per cent of the students are Christian Dayaks.
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Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) secretary-general Ambrose Linang claimed the church in Taman Medan, Selangor, had not likely breached any local government by-law by putting up a cross on its facade.
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Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) president Sidi Munan said the protesters had hurt the feelings of Christians across the country, not just in Petaling Jaya, but also in Sarawak and Sabah.
Asked to comment on the incident, Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian blamed the federal government’s weak leadership for the continued growth of religious bigotry in Malaysia.
“Extremism and religious bigotry is allowed to grow unchecked because of a weak prime minister and government that we have, and biased and selective prosecution on people who play on religious issues.
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Malaysian Insider.. changes its headline after damage done.. This is now the headline –> http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/top-cops-brother-leader-of-church-protest-in-taman-medan …
@jfkjohan LOL, he wasn’t blackmailed. Look who’s his brother http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/mobile/malaysia/article/top-cops-brother-leader-of-church-protest-in-taman-medan … Patutlah x tangkap
Malay Mail Online
After protest against cross, Muslim group to contest legality of church next, Umno man says
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 — The Muslim NGO that led yesterday’s protest against a church in Taman Medan may next take issue with whether it had the permit to operate in the Malay-populated area, Umno leader Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar said.
Abdullah, who is Taman Lindungan Jaya Umno branch chief, confirmed today that the NGO will seek the necessary information from the local council.
“The next move is this, we want to know if the church has the authority to operate and we will be meeting with the necessary authorities in Petaling Jaya to clarify this.
“If the church is found to be operating illegally then we hope necessary enforcement will be taken against it,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted.
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Malay Mail Online
Marina Mahathir: Of course it was about religion
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 — The protest that forced a Taman Medan church to remove its cross was patently religious in nature, social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir said today when disputing the Inspector-General of Police’s claim otherwise.
Commenting on Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s absolution for the protesters today, Marina pointed out that the protesters themselves had specifically claimed the faith of Muslim youths could be swayed by the sight of the cross.
“… [They] were talking about how the cross is going to influence people. It is about religion… don’t know what religion, but it was about religion,” Marina told Malay Mail Online.
The daughter of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also expressed disappointment with the protesters for claiming to be worried that an inanimate cross was a threat to the faith of their children, saying the Christian symbol was meaningless to Muslims.
“We (Muslims) do not worship crosses so it should not mean anything to us… it is the Muslims who are giving crosses, which are inanimate objects, the power to influence young people which is wrong,” Marina said.
“What is this country coming to?”
– See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/marina-mahathir-of-course-it-was-about-religion#sthash.tpkbMDgX.dpuf
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‘Cross’ protest a new height in religious intolerance, says Sabah lawmaker http://fw.to/IwaafsD
KOTA KINABALU: The authorities must act against those who demanded that a cross be removed from the Taman Medan shoplot church in order to uphold the sanctity of all religions in the country, said Sabah Special Functions Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang.
“We cannot allow the irresponsible few to break up our nation,” said Teo, the president of Barisan Nasional component party Liberal Democratic Party.
“I urge the authorities concerned to immediately intervene to uphold sanctity of all religions in the spirit of mutual respect,” he added.
Teo said the “forced removal” of the cross from the shoplot “is an ugly episode” in Malaysia, where the people took pride of the harmonious co-existence of the people, cultures and religions.
“It is an affront to the freedom of religion that we enjoy under the Federal Constitution. It is unimaginable that a cross on the exterior wall of a church can be interpreted as propagating the Christian faith to Muslims,” he said.
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Malay Mail Online
Pro-BN Facebook group denounces church protest
The ‘Friends of BN — Barisan Nasional’ condemned protesters who forced a church in Taman Medan to remove its cross yesterday in this screenshot from their Facebook page.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 — Faithful Muslims need not fear the symbols of other religions, a pro-Barisan Nasional Facebook group said when condemning protesters who forced a church in Taman Medan to remove its cross yesterday.
The “Friends of BN — Barisan Nasional” group added that Malaysians must respect each other’s creeds if they expect others to do the same for their faith.
“As known, among the Malay-Muslim community is some sensitivity regarding the cross. But if the faith and belief of Muslims are strong, then we need not be afraid of the religious symbols of others.
“Even the Prophet himself respected other religions, and as such religion should be the keeper of peace, not the triggers of conflict,” the group said.
– See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/pro-bn-facebook-group-denounces-church-protest#sthash.JyZ3v5R7.dpuf
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Star
Monday April 20, 2015 MYT 7:39:45 PM
Police reports lodged against ‘cross’ protesters
GEORGE TOWN: Two police reports were lodged in Penang against the group that protested outside a shoplot church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya on Sunday.
Law student and human rights activist K. Sudhagaran Stanley, 30, who lodged the report at the Patani Road police station, condemned the actions of the group saying it provoked religious harmony in the country.
“The action of the protestors went against the freedom of religion and a violation of the Federal Constitution which accorded for all religions to be practiced in peace and harmony.
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At the Seberang Perai police station, law lecturer Shamsher Singh Thind, 36, lodged a report over the constitutional right of Malaysians to practice their religion.
He said the issue of a church being allowed to operate should be dealt with by the local council not by threatening to take down a cross.
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Zahid differs with IGP, deems protest seditious http://bit.ly/1P3XIsg .@Zahid_Hamidi .@KBAB51
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Star
Monday April 20, 2015 MYT 7:47:45 PM
Zahid: ‘Cross’ protesters face action under Sedition Act
SERDANG: The group of people who protested against a church in Taman Medan can face action under the Sedition Act, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“Of course action is to be taken,” said the Home Minister.
“I am very colour blind and police are colour blind. Whoever … action has to be taken and will be taken ,” he said.
“Regardless of who, if anyone touches on any religion, they are subject to the Sedition Act,” he told reporters after launching the Home Ministry-ESQ Alumni Organisation at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on Monday.
When asked if Umno members faced disciplinary action if they were found to be involved during the protest, Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the party vice-president, said: “Of course, as they are breaching the law and in Umno, we have to respect other religions, so they have to pay the consequences.”
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/20/Church-protest-Zahid/
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Church protest not seditious, says IGP .@KBAB51 http://bit.ly/1GbEmQC
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Star
Monday April 20, 2015 MYT 6:04:36 PM
IGP: ‘Cross’ protest not seditious or criminal
KUALA LUMPUR: The protest by residents over a cross on a shoplot church in Taman Medan on Sunday is not seditious or has any “criminal element,” said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
“The issue did not touch on religion but the location of the church there.
“Our view is that this does not touch on the Christian religion but more of the communities’ objection to the church in their neighbourhood.
“Based on investigations, community representatives and the pastor of the church had a meeting and they agreed to take down the cross,” he told reporters after launching the PR1MA registration programme for police at Bukit Aman.
Khalid confirmed that his brother, Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar, who was said to be acting as a mediator between the protesters and church leaders, was present at the gathering.
“His role there was as a community leader and he was there to calm tensions and ensure that the group did not turn aggressive,” he said.
Khalid said the situation at the church on Sunday was “leaning towards a flash mob” and not planned by any party.
“We have referred the matter to the Petaling Jaya City Council and state government for further action.
“For the moment we do not see any crimimal element in this issue.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/20/Cross-Protest-IGP/
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‘Protest nothing to do with me being IGP’s brother’ http://bit.ly/1GbAlf7 .@KBAB51
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Star
Monday April 20, 2015 MYT 6:00:22 PM
IGP’s brother: We protested to prevent racial tension
PETALING JAYA: The organisers of the protest in Taman Medan wanted the cross hung on the church building to be taken down to prevent racial tensions from flaring up.
The group’s representative Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar said the youngsters in the community were worried that a church in their area would result in proselytisation among the Muslims.
“They were demanding that the church cease operations completely, but we managed to convince them to be satisfied with the church taking down the cross symbol,” said Abdullah, who is the elder brother of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
“You must understand, this church has only been operating for a week. And people are starting to panic because they hear stories that Christians would attempt proselytising their faith to others.
“They came to us and as the elders in the community, we told them we would help resolve the issue as we don’t want matters to get out of hand,” Abdullah told reporters after meeting the Petaling Jaya mayor, here, Monday.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/20/Church-cross-protest-IGP-brother/
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1:47PM Apr 20, 2015
Gerakan Youth wants MB to restore cross
Gerakan Youth has urged Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali to restore the cross that was removed from a church in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
It’s leader Tan Keng Liang said it the state government must look into this issue immediately and uphold the principles of religious freedom under Article 11 of the federal constitution.
“Azmin should resolve this issue without any further delay. Don’t let this be another pro-longed incident like last year’s seizure of BSM Christian Bibles by Selangor state agency,” said Tan when contacted today.
Asked on the specific measures needed to be taken by the Selangor government, Tan said the state cabinet should ask for the cross to be replaced.
“Perhaps they should get the local council to assist the church. I think Azmin knows what needs to be done to resolve the issue,” he said.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295813
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Council of Churches Malaysia: Political agenda in church protest http://bit.ly/1JltgpC
The Council of Churches Malaysia expressed its discontent and displeasure at the demonstration by a small group of protesters against a church at Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
It believes there is a political agenda by certain quarters.
CCM general secretary Dr Hermen Shastri said in a statement today the protesters appeared to have taken the law into their own hands by disrupting the worship at a church and making religiously insensitive demands that pertain to the sacred symbol of Christians, the crucifix.
“The council is not surprised that yet again such an incident has taken place in Selangor.
“It is obvious that there is a political agenda behind such acts from certain quarters, who are out to instigate and increase inter-religious tensions in the state,” he said.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295820
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Cross a sacred symbol for Christians, says Azmin http://bit.ly/1D4fAeR .@AzminAli
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Malay Mail Online
‘Disrespectful’ to force removal of church crucifix, Selangor MB says
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 — The Selangor administration expressed dissatisfaction today at the group of protesters who reportedly demanded that a church in Taman Medan remove the crucifix it had hung on its facade.
According to The Star Online, Mentri Besar Azmin Ali pointed out that to Christians, the cross is a sacred symbol and forcing its removal is disrespectful to the community.
“To force them to remove the symbol is certainly unacceptable and disrespectful to the Christian community,” Azmin was quoted telling reporters after this morning’s monthly meeting with state civil servants.
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12:11PM Apr 20, 2015
Bishop: Cross removal an act of insolence
Catholic Bishop Dr Paul Tan Chee Ing denounced the action of the protesters in Petaling Jaya who yesterday forced the removal of a cross from a church in the Taman Medan area which is located in the parliamentary constituency of PJ Selatan.
The protesters had earlier gathered in front of the church which they claimed is in a predominantly Malay/Muslim area, despite the presence of a sizeable number of Indians in the locality.
“This incident marks a new and more insolent height in the intimidation of Christians in this country,” remarked the head of the Catholic Church in the Malacca-Johor diocese.
A vocal defender of the Christian community whom he has often said in the past is feeling increasingly beleaguered on account of them just being themselves, the Jesuit-trained prelate said that the patience of the community is running thin.
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Bishop Paul Tan said there were “absolutely no grounds for the protesters to demand that the cross [on the church in Taman Medan] be removed.”
“This cross is the universal symbol of the Christian faith just as the crescent is the symbol of the Muslim religion,” he remarked.
“If people are going to be unduly perturbed by the reasonable display of religious symbols, they are saying their own faith is so fragile they need the complete disappearance of other symbols because only then can they feel comfortable in their own skins,” he added.
“If this incident is allowed to pass without state sanctions against those responsible, Christians will know that henceforth they are at the mercy of anti-Christian hordes in this country who on the flimsiest of grounds can engage in actions aimed at humiliating them and making them feel that they are a virus in society,” said the bishop.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295789
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Monday April 20, 2015 MYT 11:03:48 AM
Churches have right to display cross under Constitution, say lawyers
Intolerance: Protesters outside the Taman Medan church before the cross was removed.
PETALING JAYA: Churches have a right to display the cross on their buildings under the Federal Constitution and should not be forced to take it down.
“Under Article 11, all Malaysians have a right to practise their own religion and the cross is an integral and indispensable part of the Christian faith – so it comes under the rights of Malaysians under Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution,” said constitutional lawyer New Sin Yew.
He said that Article 11(1) reads that every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.
Article 11(4) reads that state law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, Federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam, he added.
He further questioned the argument put forward by the demonstrators in Taman Medan on Sunday that the sight of the cross in a Muslim-majority area “challenged Islam” and could influence the young.
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The cross in Taman Medan church has been taken down after protests http://bit.ly/1G7QsKs
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According to sources, one of the people involved in the demonstration was none other than Munaliza Hamzah, the Barisan Nasional candidate who lost to Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Haniza Mohamed Talha in the last general election by a margin of 4,433 votes.
Malaysiakini
8:41AM Apr 20, 2015
Winning a battle, but losing the war
COMMENT There is an old adage, “winning a battle but losing the war”.
American business magnate, investor, television personality and author Donald Trump puts it in a different way.
“Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war,” he writes. In short, I agree with Trump that it is better to lose a small battle than to lose the entire war.
When I think of it in the context of a church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, whose leaders were more than amicable and willing to remove a cross affixed to its building after a group of some 50 people demonstrated in front of the church.
To the Christian community, whether the cross is displayed or not makes no difference, but the message of the cross – Jesus’ death for the redemption of all mankind – is what matters the most.
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However, because the church has been using the cross as its symbol for nearly 2000 years, it is simply improper for a small group of demonstrators in Taman Medan to force the symbol of another religion to be removed under the pretext that it “challenges Islam”.
Such an act deserves the severest condemnation by every Malaysian with a sound mind and from all walks of life. This is no longer a question of religion, but as pointed out by someone, it has become the politically motivated form of intimidation against minorities’ religions.
This is clearly disrespecting the federal constitution, which upholds the position of Islam, while at the same time, under Article 11, provides that “every person has the right to profess and to practice his or her religion and to propagate it”. Putting a cross on a church building does not contravene the spirit of the federal constitution.
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According to sources, one of the people involved in the demonstration was none other than Munaliza Hamzah, the Barisan Nasional candidate who lost to Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Haniza Mohamed Talha in the last general election by a margin of 4,433 votes.
Besides verbally attacking the church, Munaliza is seen holding up a placard which read, ‘Is the state assemblypeson sleeping?’
It is hard not to believe that the demonstration was in fact politically motivated. Based on the results from the last general election, it is obvious that Taman Medan voting station has given PKR the additional boost to help it bag another parliamentary seat.
Hee Loy Sian from PKR won the Petaling Jaya Selatan (PJS) by a majority of 5,706 votes. A significant number of the votes would have been contributed by Taman Medan’s voters swing to PKR.
My point is: If 70 percent majority of the population of Taman Medan are Muslims, it clearly shows that the Umno candidate did not manage to win the heart of the Muslims.
What’s more, I wonder if playing up religious sensitivities of the people while attacking the state assemblyperson would gain her any political mileage or would it attract more condemnation from every quarter?
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Finally, we are asking, “What is Umno’s position?”
Will it now haul up Munaliza to be reprimanded or would it remain quiet?
Or, would Umno continue to protect its own members amidst public outcry? Or, does Umno not have a bigger obligation to protect the constitutional rights of the other communities apart from the Muslims in this country?
It will be interesting to watch the development after this episode to see how Umno reacts to the urging to discipline, or even to the point of sacking its own members in order to protect its own image?
Meanwhile, for the church leaders, it is fine to lose a small battle, but the people are with you in the war against the rise of extremism in Malaysia.
STEPHEN NG is an ordinary citizen with an avid interest in following political developments in the country since 2008.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295762?hootPostID=8e43211764b1a512e02028017ca67030
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Malaysiakini
8:49AM Apr 20, 2015
‘Looking at cross won’t alter Muslims’ faith’
Looking at a cross would not alter a Muslim’s faith, but infringing on minority rights is against Islam, said PKR’s Taman Medan assemblyperson Haniza Talha (below).
She was responding to reports of a protest against a new church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya yesterday demanding the sign of the cross be removed from the exterior.
“They claim the faith of Muslims are under threat because the church has put up a cross (on their building). This is a shallow thinking.
“Islam teaches its followers that it is wrong to stop non-Muslims from practising their faiths,” she told Malaysiakini.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295763
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11:56PM Apr 19, 2015
PKR blames Umno for church protest
PKR’s Petaling Jaya Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian has accused Umno of perpetrating the protest against a church to demand the removal of its cross in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya this morning.
“The people who protested claimed themselves to be residents but all of them were Umno members,” he told a ceramah in Taman Medan tonight.
Hee said those at the protest were Umno leaders from the Petaling Jaya Selatan division.
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“Who were present? The secretary, the former Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno wanita chief who was also a candidate for the Taman Medan state seat and also other Umno division leaders,” he said.
He slammed Umno for “inciting” and “intimidating” the church’s congregation.
The protest today was led by Abdullah Abu Bakar (above).
According to Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno’s official blog, Abdullah ran for the division vice chief post in 2013.
Another protestor caught on video was BN’s 2013 general election candidate for Taman Medan, Munaliza Hamzah (below).
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295759?hootPostID=e4970e2b57ef36a2b911fb28fb90f7bc
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11:34PM Apr 19, 2015
‘Would church protestors be held for sedition?’
Police’s decision not to arrest demonstrators who protested against a church in Petaling Jaya yesterday shows double standards in enforcing the Sedition Act, DAP’s Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua said.
Pua argued that the same would not have happened if non-Muslims were the one protesting against a Muslim place of worship.
While DAP is adamant against the Act, he said, the law’s proponents should now answer if the protestors today should be held under the law, which was said to meant for such situations.
This is because the Act outlaws actions which promote “ill will or hostility […] on grounds of religions”.
“Will MCA and Gerakan who had similarly defended the Act now demand action to be taken under the Act?
“Is this for example the “goodwill” promoted in the Act which the secretary-general of Gerakan and MP for Simpang Renggam, Liang Teck Meng proudly declared in his support of the Act?
“Or will the above case only goes to show how the Act was constructed strictly targeted only against non-Muslims while Muslims who infringed on the rights of others will get away scot-free?” he asked in a statement.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295758?hootPostID=c406f4338e7df499ccdfd1c197afff0a
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6:00PM Apr 19, 2015
PJ church agrees to take down cross after protest
A newly set up church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya had a rude shock today when protesters turned up at its doorstep demanding that it take down its cross.
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http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/295744?hootPostID=757cc4528e1f685763a2819bd3e9a95f
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Taman Medan Muslims protesting a church that put a cross outside. “It will influence our children” one said.
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Star
Sunday April 19, 2015 MYT 3:22:08 PM
Group stages protest over cross on church building
PETALING JAYA: About 50 residents staged a peaceful protest against a new church situated in a shoplot in Taman Medan after the congregation there put up a cross on the church building.
The group, which gathered at about 10am on Sunday while church service was going on, contended that the sight of the cross in a majority Muslim area challenged Islam and could influence younger minds.
The group were later pacified by a village leader, who spoke with the priest of the church.
“After meeting with the priest, the church agreed to take down the cross by next Sunday. If they have the authority to run, we cannot stop it. But we ask out of concern, being a Malay area, that they take down the cross,” said leader Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar.
Other protesters, however, felt that the existence of a church in Taman Medan challenged their faith.
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The congregation of the church, of about 15 people, requested privacy when approached by The Star.
It is understood that the cross was taken down by church leaders a few hours later.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/19/Protest-agaist-church/
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