Cops have identified suspects for church attacks, says Hishammuddin

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (picture) moved to assure the public today that the security situation was under control even as he confirmed the latest arson attempt on the Sidang Injil Borneo church in Seremban.

He also revealed that police had identified possible suspects for the spate of firebombing and arson attempts, but the minister would not publicly reveal details yet.

“Alhamdulillah, I can report today that since last night there have been no serious incidents. The latest which I am aware of is the SIB church in Seremban where I understand petrol was poured onto the front door of the church.

“The only damage I was informed of is to the door of the church. This is a relief to me, because we have been through Friday.Last night I was also thankful that the Sunday services proceeded smoothly without any untoward incidents,” said Hishammuddin.

He said that the Home Ministry would carry on monitoring the situation to ensure that things did not get out of hand.

The Home Minister also told reporters that foreign diplomats had already been briefed this morning, in a move to dampen any attempts by any irresponsible parties to “spread stories and differing perspectives”.

When asked by a reporter what he thought about accusations hurled at the government for being passive on the church attacks, Hishammuddin slammed the reporter for making such a statement.

“I believe that is totally unfair. You have countries which declared an emergency in the last four days alone. There has been a curfew in a very major country. We on the other hand have had a major incident over the past four days, and the only incident which happened today was the burning of a door.

“So please look at it from that context. I do not like statements of that nature, because in four days we have managed to stabilise the situation. We have not allowed it to spread to the streets and I think the way you ask that question is very mischievious.”

He said the police had already narrowed down possible suspects, but required more time to gather evidence.

Who the suspects are could not be revealed to the public just yet, he said.

“I am monitoring the matter at the same time with the police. If I am not satisfied with the police, it means that I am not satisfied with my own commitment as a minister.”

Hishamuddin went on to remind people not to take everything on the Internet or text messages as the whole truth with regards to rumours of a gathering this Sunday.

“Before Friday, people were saying so many things about the demonstration after Friday prayers. But finally after the incident everything was limited to the mosque areas and was done in a peaceful and disciplined manner,” said Hishammuddin.

He also brushed off any plans in involving Rela officers helping the police as he asserted that “if it is just down to a stage where a door is burned, I think the police can handle it.”

The SIB Church in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan became the latest victim in a spate of attacks on churches which started last Friday.

It is understood that the attacks left scorch marks on the church’s front doors.