Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) vows that those involved in the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple fracas and related incidents will face the full brunt of the law.
Besides attempted murder, police are also investigating crimes such arson, rioting with weapons, causing injury with a weapon, trespass, possession of dangerous weapons, mischief, and statements inciting breach of peace.
“I would like to stress that the government will not compromise with anyone who threatens the peace and public order, especially by fuelling racial sentiments.
“Stern action based on the law will be taken by the authorities to defend our unity, safety and harmony,” he told lawmakers in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 29).
Muhyiddin added that police have identified several individuals who played a role in the incident, and they will be hauled up for questioning.
He said that Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Najmuddin has been appointed to head the Ops Seafield Special Taskforce to investigate the incident.
Muhyiddin also said that 34 individuals had their statements recorded by the police so far, with 30 arrests have been made.
He told MPs that the incident was an isolated criminal act which had nothing to do with race, but instead stemmed from a land ownership dispute between One City Development Sdn Bhd and the temple committee.
“It is unfortunate that the acts of certain people in hiring a group of Malays to trespass and empty the temple on the night of the incident had angered Hindu devotees,” he said.
He called on Malaysians not to allow an isolated incident to destroy the unity and harmony shared by the nation’s multiracial society.
“Malaysians have lived peacefully and harmoniously for a long time.
“Don’t allow an isolated criminal incident to wreck our unity and the harmony among those of different races and religions.
“One rotten apple should not be allowed to spoil the whole barrel,” Muhyiddin added.
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