Provocative banners found outside churches
Zalinah Noordin, FMT
Penang police have dismissed the involvement of churches in the state in relation to three banners depicting Jesus as the son of Allah which have sparked outrage amongst Muslims and Malay NGOs including Umno here.
State police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the police believe provocation was the motive of the placing of the banners by certain quarters here.
He added that police have stepped up security in various areas in the state, especially in the heart of George Town which has a total of about 40 churches.
“Until now, we have received three reports on the matter (of the placement of banners) and investigations are still ongoing.
“We doubt that the incident has nothing to do with the churches but was done by unscrupulous parties to spark provocation and racial tension,” he told reporters here today.
Earlier today, residents from a few areas were shocked to discover the banners hung around several areas here with wording such “Allah is great” and “Jesus is the son of Allah”.
The act is seen and thought to be by way of retaliation against the Allah issue which has been much talked and debated about of late.
