Three churches attacked in Malaysia over word `Allah’ in journal
January 8th, 2010 - 3:02 pm ICT by IANSKuala Lumpur, Jan 8 (IANS) The Malaysian government Friday threatened stern action following attacks on three churches in the outskirts of the national capital following controversy over the use of the word ‘Allah’ by a Roman Catholic journal.
Muslim youths caused arson at the churches to press for government action to annul a high court ruling last week that upheld the journal’s right to use the word on its masthead.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak condemned the attacks on the three churches.
“I condemn these actions because they will destroy our country’s harmony,” he told reporters Friday.
“The government will take whatever steps it can to prevent such acts,” Star Online, website of The Star newspaper reported.
Razak said he has told the national police chief to step up security at churches and other places of worship.
The attacked churches are located in Klang Valley which is an area comprising Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs, and adjoining cities and towns in the state of Selangor.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the government would not hesitate to use any means necessary, including the Internal Security Act, on anyone who threatens the security of the country.
He also ensured the safety of everyone in Malaysia, including the minorities.
Hishammuddin also said that a police official has confirmed that three churches have been attacked.
“We have also received a report that a church has been threatened. The police will monitor all churches in the country,” he said.
Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan earlier said police were investigating three cases.
The three churches were the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati, the Assumption Church in Jalan Templer in Petaling Jaya, and the Life Chapel Church in Section 17, also in Petaling Jaya.
“Police personnel would also patrol churches throughout the country, especially in the Klang Valley, to prevent any untoward incidents,” he added.
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Tags: arson, assumption church, cities and towns, desa melawati, government action, home minister, internal security act, malaysian government, musa hassan, muslim youths, national police, petaling jaya, places of worship, police official, section 17, stern action, tabernacle church, templer, three churches, word allah
