Selangor slams ‘intolerant’ protest

(The Star) SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has condemned the provocative actions of those who protested against the relocation of a Hindu temple to Section 23 here.

“This has taken the nation a step backward in efforts towards mutual respect among the various races and religions.

“It is indeed appalling that such religious intolerance still exists among Malaysians,” said Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who asked everyone to remain calm and urged the police to act without fear or favour.

Eight individuals have lodged police reports at the Shah Alam police department calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Some 35 members of non-governmental organisations and several politicians gathered outside the department, including state executive councillors Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar, Ronnie Liu and Rodziah Ismail, Klang MP Charles Santiago and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad.

Shah Alam district police chief Noor Azam Jamaluddin, who had a discussion with Pakatan Rakyat leaders yesterday, said police had not taken action at the scene of the protest as they did not want to create further tension.

Rodziah, the Batu Tiga assemblyman, said the state government would hold an open discussion on the relocation issue on Sept 5 with residents, Shah Alam City Council officials and representatives from the Selangor State Development Corporation.