Act firmly against ‘ignorant’ cross protesters, says G25

On Sunday, 50 protesters held a demonstration in front of this church in a shop lot to demand the removal of a cross. – The Malaysian Insider pic, April 21, 2015.

Religious extremists would be encouraged to trample on the rights of Malaysians of other faiths, should no action be taken against Sunday's church protesters in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, said a group of former Malay high-ranking civil servants.

"Firm action must be taken against the ‘ignorant, intolerant’ Muslims who protested for the removal of a cross from a church," the group dubbed G25 said today.

"It will also provide damning evidence to the international community that Malaysia is no longer a country where racial harmony reigns and religious freedom is practised.

"This unfortunate incident, happening so close to the questionable guidelines issued by Jakim on entertainers, will have serious implications on our economy as it may well frighten away foreign investors as well as tourists."

G25 added that the protesters' actions were an embarrassment to Islam and proved they were ignorant of the tenets of their own faith, which preached tolerance and respect for all religions.

"This abhorrent act of intolerance and bigotry against another religion's place of worship has no place in Islam and deserves the strongest condemnation.

"The protesters are obviously ignorant of the tenets of their faith and need to deepen their knowledge of Islam and of Islamic history."

The group said Islam's history was rich with examples of tolerance and respect for other faiths and their places of worship. 

It cited an example in which Prophet Muhammad allowed a visiting Christian delegation from Yemen, led by their bishop, to pray in his mosque in Madinah.

- TMI