Decision To Charge Section 23 Protesters Not Political – Hishammuddin

(Bernama) – PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the decision to charge protesters against the relocation of a temple to Section 23, Shah Alam was not made based on political consideration.

He said the necessary action would be taken against those who run foul of the the law.

"What's the benefit. If there are people going around carrying a pig's head, action will be taken against them.

"The protesters must think twice before doing it as they can be exploited by certain parties," he told reporters after the ministry's monthly gathering here on Tuesday.

The protest in Shah Alam recently raised a furore when some of them brought a cow's head to protest against the Selangor state government's decision.

The minister said there were five cases involving a pig's head including one placed in front of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) building draped in an Umno flag.

"We don't know who were responsible for them but if we do, action will be taken.

Hishammuddin was commenting a statement by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail yesterday that the protesters would be charged under the Sedition Act 1948 or the Penal Code and Section 27 (5) of the Police Act for illegal assembly.

He said those who acted to destabilise the nation like touching on religious and racial sensitivities had to be responsible for them.

"Members from several political parties were involved in the Section 23 protest but our focus is on those who brought the cow's head."

Asked about claims that the police had bowed to pressure, Hishammuddin skipped the question and said that all parties involved had been summoned over the issue.

"We do not favour one race over another or even political ideology, like the Perak, Kg Buah Pala and Section 23 issues.

"In Kg Buah Pala, an MIC Youth leader was detained, in Perak, elected representatives from the Opposition and a reporter were detained," he added.