Malaysia to prosecute anti-Hindu protestors

A group of Muslim residents of the Shah Alam suburb in Selangor state marched to the secretariat building to protest against the temple relocation on August 28 and indulged in an act hurting the sentiments of the minority Hindu community.

Attorney General Abdul Gani said the police had personally submitted the investigation papers to him on Monday, and 'I am satisfied the demonstrators should be taken to court'.

Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan said the police were serious about taking action against protesters who offended the people of other faiths and will push for 'deterrent sentences'. 'We will not tolerate such incidents that can spark racial tension,' he said.

On August 28, some 50 people marched to the gates of the state secretariat building to protest against the relocation of the 100-year-old Sri Mahamariamman temple. They warned of further action if the temple was built in their area, local media reports said. The manner of the protest drew criticism from various parties for insulting religious sensitivities.

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In an immediate response to the attorney general's decision, Hindu Sangam adviser A Vaithilingam said: "The move to charge the culprits is a good step."

Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George said the decision to prosecute would help ease the hurt felt by the Hindu community while chairman of the action committee for the August 28 protest, Mahayuddin Manaf, said he respected the decision to prosecute those responsible.

Malaysian Indian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president K K Eswaran said: "This is a stern reminder that the government does not condone actions which disrupt harmony among the various races in the country."