MIRI: The arson attacks at several churches in the peninsula are isolated cases.
And this could be the work of some quarters who want to create antagonism among people of different races, Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Dato Sri William Mawan said Saturday night.
“It could be the work of some trouble makers, I would say, who try to exploit the situation,” he said, adding that their action could jeopardise the country’s stability.
He said everyone should condemn such acts and the negative behaviour should not be condoned.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak while asking everyone to be calm on Saturday appealed to the authorities, including the police to take the necessary action against the perpetrators.
“In a multi-racial country like Malaysia, these kind of incidents can happen,” Mawan said.
He, however, said such cases must be handled with care.
Asked whether the Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders would discuss the matter, Mawan replied: “They will discuss it and that is definite.”
On his part, Mawan appealed to Christians to stay calm and continue to pray for continuous peace, unity and harmony in the country.
He stressed that they should not take the laws into their own hands because the authorities were sparing no efforts in tackling the problem.
“Sitting down is (discussing) still the best solution, and the BN will discuss the matter, that I’m very sure. We should also go down to the grassroots to explain the incident.
“I’m in full support of the call made by Datuk Seri Najib to everyone to remain calm, and the actions taken by the Home Ministry to calm the situation.
Mawan, nevertheless, regretted the incident, saying that despite being a united nation, there were still people who caused destruction to places of worship of others.
“Though we have been together for long and achieved this level of unity and solidarity, it is regrettable that such things (arson attacks) have happened,” the minister said.
Mawan was asked to comment on the arson attacks on several churches in Peninsular Malaysia. He was met during a New Year gathering-cum- education fundraising dinner at a leading hotel here.
The event was organised by the Sarawak Lakiput Association.
Among those present at the function were Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok, Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai, Sarawak Kenyah National Association president Marcus Gau Lian, Sarawak Lakiput Association president Simon Dayak Gelan and organising chairman Michael Tuah Ding.
Mawan announced a RM10,000 grant from his ministry for the association.