Police warn against holding demonstrations

(Bernama) KUALA LUMPUR: Police today issued a warning against any demonstrations planned at places of worship, especially one rumoured to be held at the Assumption Church in Petaling Jaya, on Jan 13.

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said any illegal demonstration would not help ease the situation. Instead it would only make it worse.

“I have been informed that an SMS was being circulated, inviting people to assemble in front of the church next week, 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 told reporters after visiting the church.

He added that police would not hesitate to take stern action against anyone who broke the law, including  participating in illegal gatherings.

On claims that a mosque in Klang Jaya was attacked, Khalid said: “No such thing happened. Please do not listen to rumours, and please do not speculate.”

He, however, confirmed that stones were thrown at a surau in Klang.

Khalid said apart from the three attacks on churches in Selangor, no new cases were reported.

“No new cases were reported except for one case where a church was robbed,” he said without giving the name of the church.

“We are still carrying out investigations to identify those who attempted to burn down the three churches,” he added.

Last Friday night and Saturday morning, firebombs were thrown at the Assumption Church and Life Chapel Church in Petaling Jaya while the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur was set on fire by unknown assailants.