Akhirnya, pihak Perdana Menteri Malaysia mengeluarkan kenyataan menerangkan apa yang berlaku. Beliau menyatakan Khamis lalu bahawa jika Muslim di masjid-masjid nak demonstrasi Jumaat lalu, kerajaan tak boleh halang.
Begitu juga Menteri Dalam Negeri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Setelah dituduh bahawa 'sokongan' ini membuat segelintir orang bersemangat untuk membuat lebih dari itu, mereka berdua memarahi pihak media - saya komen di sini.
Kini PM dah jawab.
Nak terima ke tidak, itu terpulang. Sekurang-kurangnya belau menjawab, bukan memarahi media. Penjelasan adalah perlu dalam suasana ini.
Press statement dari Pejabat Perdana Menteri
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Response to Inaccurate Reporting
14 January 2010
The Government of Malaysia has condemned the criminal acts of vandalism and arson targeting places of worship that have taken place sporadically since Thursday, 7 January. Malaysians of all faiths are angered by these incidents and stand together in solidarity. These are criminal acts committed by individuals and are not representative of Malaysia.
In light of recent reporting on these incidents, the Government of Malaysia would like to offer the following clarifications and corrections.
These actions do not represent Malaysia. Malaysia is a tolerant country that supports religious freedom for all. Malaysians of all faiths have condemned these criminal acts and expressed support for the Christian community. 130 Muslim NGOs have banded together to protect and support churches across the country.
The safety of all Malaysians remains our top priority. To date there have been twelve incidents targeting places of worship, of which eight involved attempted arson.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported and property damage has been minimal in all but one case. Police have been deployed in full force to prevent further incidents. Thorough and expedited investigations are underway. We have identified several suspects, but will not rest until those responsible are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.
The Prime Minister has urged the public to be patient and respect the courts. The Government of Malaysia has not issued any permits for public demonstrations relating to the Allah court case, and the Prime Minister has continually appealed to the public to remain calm and respect the legal process.
The Prime Minister’s comments on protests around the Allah court decision were based on the reality that the government cannot interfere with expressions of free speech within the confines of places of worship.
Malaysia supports the free expression of religion. Malaysia has a history of respecting the expression and practice of all religions. Malaysia allows Hindus to cremate their dead, although some Western countries have banned this practice; Religious holidays including Christmas and Thaipusam are celebrated openly throughout the country across all cultures; and, religious expression in schools, such as wearing a headscarf, a cross or a bindi, is allowed.
In support of the Prime Minister’s reform initiatives, the government is committed to increasing opportunities for all Malaysians. Over the past year, the government has implemented a number of reforms to increase opportunities for all Malaysians regardless of their ethnicity, including establishing scholarships and other programs to support Malaysia’s ethnic communities.
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