Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will update the cabinet on unapproved houses of worship and a recent temple intrusion, aiming to provide facts and identify lawful solutions.
PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will brief the cabinet tomorrow on matters concerning houses of worship constructed without proper approvals and a recent intrusion at a temple in Rawang.
He said the briefing aims to provide an accurate account, including the chronology and individuals involved, to identify the best solutions for easing tensions.
“I have asked the Inspector-General of Police and the Special Branch director to be prepared with a comprehensive report,” he told a press conference after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly.
He stressed that any action taken must be based on facts and the law, rather than emotions or manipulation.
On the incident where individuals took the law into their own hands to demolish a house of worship, Saifuddin Nasution said such actions are extremely dangerous and could threaten public order.
“Issues relating to race and religion are highly emotive,” he said.
He added that when information is spread recklessly, the police have a critical responsibility in preventing provocation.
He emphasised that issues relating to land status, ownership, or urban planning must be resolved through lawful channels involving the state government and local authorities.
“No party will benefit if we act on emotion,” he said.
He reiterated that Malaysia remains a multiracial country and the government will continue to uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion.
Saifuddin Nasution also expressed full confidence in the Royal Malaysia Police to utilise all available resources as preventive measures.
These include provisions under Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code to avert any actions that could disrupt national harmony.
“Freedom of speech is not freedom to incite or stir up racial sentiments,” he said.
He affirmed that the police will act professionally to safeguard the nation’s peace.
Police arrested four men yesterday to assist in investigations into the intrusion at the temple in Rawang.