Home Minister defends police preventive action after Rawang temple demolition, urging legal channels and caution against inflaming racial tensions.
PUTRAJAYA: The government has defended preventive police action following the Feb 10 demolition of part of a temple structure in Rawang, Selangor, saying disputes involving houses of worship must be resolved through legal channels, not provocation.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he would brief the Cabinet tomorrow on the actual circumstances of the incident, including the individuals involved and the steps taken by police to control the situation.
“Sometimes police action is seen only from one perspective. When a gathering is organised around this issue, enforcement taken by the authorities may be portrayed as not respecting freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.
“The police rely on Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code to prevent or stop offences. Such pre-emptive action is allowed under the law,” he told reporters after the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.
Saifuddin stressed that constitutional freedoms are not absolute.
“Freedom of speech is not freedom to incite. Freedom of speech is not freedom to inflame sentiments that can further heighten racial and religious tensions. There are limits.
“This matter has long existed. It did not suddenly arise in the past three years. There are individuals who choose to manipulate this issue and play on sentiments and emotions instead of seeking solutions.
“If it concerns land matters, involve the state government. If it concerns local planning, involve the local authority. If it concerns legal issues, refer to the relevant laws and enforcement bodies.”
He warned that escalation would benefit no one and that Malaysia’s long-standing inter-communal harmony must be preserved.
Earlier, Selangor police confirmed that four local men were detained after a report was lodged over the demolition of part of the temple structure.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said investigations found the structure had been demolished without prior discussion or notification to the local authority or the complainant before clearing works were carried out. A backhoe was seized.
The case is being investigated under Sections 427, 295, 504 and 447 of the Penal Code. Police have urged the public not to speculate or make statements that could trigger tension while investigations continue.
