Brothers sentenced to 5 years jail each for church burning

Brothers sentenced to 5 years jail each for church burning

Malaysia Chronicle

The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court has found two brothers Raja Muhammad Faizal Raja Ibrahim and Raja Muhammad Idzham guilty of fire-torching the Metro Tabernacle Church in Selangor, the first place of worship to be desecrated in connection with the controversial Allah ban.

According to Judge Komathy Suppiah, the defence failed to raise any doubts and their evidence was contradictory and inconsistent.

She sentenced them to five years jail each and allowed their application for a stay of execution. However, bail was raised from RM10,000 to RM20,000 each.

“The defence failed to raise a reasonable doubt. I find both the first and second accused guilty of the charge,” ruled Komathy.

"The testimony by their friend that the two were involved in a barbecue is also in doubt. It is a fabrication and afterthought. “

The real perpetrators are still out there

The brothers had claimed that they sustained burn injuries while setting up a barbecue at their friend Hamzan Zainal Abidin’s house.

But other key witnesses said the pair told them they had sustained the injuries while burning rubbish. Kuala Lumpur Hospital’s Dr Lim Chee Kean, who treated Raja Muhammad Faizal, and a policeman who had recorded Hamzan’s statement, both said the trio did not mention any barbecue in their earlier testimonies.

“Witness Hamzan has further weakened the defence’s case. I find his evidence completely unconvincing and unbelievable,” said Komathy.

Meanwhile, counsel for the brothers Hanif Hashim reiterated his disappointment as the witness - a teacher - who claimed to have seen the arsonists did not have a clear view of the perpetrators.

"The actual perpetrators are still out there," Hanif said. "My clients were merely arrested at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital."

Allan ban

Malaysia hit the international headlines early this year after the country was wracked by a series of attacks using Molotov-cocktails and stones against places of worship.

The disorder came about following a December High Court ruling lifting the Home Ministry's ban on the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims.

The surprise court ruling was immediately played up by hawks in the ruling Umno party to rally support from the Malay community. Prime Minister Najib Razak and Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein both gave the green to mass protests to be held at mosques.

The move stirred up the worst bout of religious and racial sentiments since the riots of May 13, 1969.

PM also pissed with the Blame Game of the Opposition

PM slams Pakatan for blame game over church attacks

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak lashed out today at Pakatan Rakyat for alleging that the arsonists involved in the Metro Tabernacle Church attack were Umno members.

Responding to a question from a reporter during a press conference after the Umno Supreme Council meeting, Najib appeared to be on the defensive as he dismissed the claims as merely another tactic by the opposition to win support.

“This point has already been answered by top Umno officials. This is what the opposition always does,” said Najib to a chorus of applause from Umno leaders present at the press conference.

The prime minister’s remarks comes amid accusations by some PR leaders claiming to have knowledge and evidence of Umno’s “hand” in the recent attack on the church which left its first floor completely gutted.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali has claimed that at least four Umno members were involved in the arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church.

PAS’s HarakahDaily website quoted Azmin as saying that he was collecting evidence to back up his claims and would release it soon.

The Gombak MP had claimed that at least four of the eight remanded over the Jan 8 attack are Umno members from the Gombak and Ampang divisions, adding he would reveal the full names, Mykad numbers and Umno membership numbers of those involved as soon as possible.

“The opposition has to always blame Umno. This is their modus operandi (MO),” said Najib today in response to the claims.

Three dispatch riders were charged in the Sessions Court today for the recent firebombing of the Metro Tabernacle Church, and could face up to 20 years in prison.

The three were brothers Raja Muhammad Faizal Raja Ibrahim, 24; Raja Muhammad Idzham Raja Ibrahim, 22; and another 23-year-old, Azuwan Shah Ahmad.

They were charged under Section 436 of the Penal Code, for the offence of “mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a building.”

All three claimed trial and the date of mention has been set for March 12.

A total of eight men had originally been detained in connection with the arson attack at the Metro Tabernacle Church here on Jan 8.

Besides the eight, police have also detained seven other men over the recent arson attempt at Taiping’s historic All Saints’ Church and the town’s Convent School.

The attacks are believed to be linked to the controversial “Allah” ruling that has riled many Muslims.

Four other men were also picked up for arson attempts on two mosques in Muar.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this week he believed the attacks against churches, a temple and now mosques appeared to be aimed at sparking racial and religious strife.

Boar heads were reportedly found at two mosques near here, earlier this week, following the fire-bombing attacks and acts of vandalism against churches and a Sikh temple that had taken place in the wake of the “Allah” controversy.

These latest acts could be construed as attempts to escalate tensions and provoke unrest between Muslims and non-Muslims, as pigs are considered unhygienic in Islam and therefore their presence in the mosques were acts of desecration.

Has this got to do with the impending Sodomy 2 court case ?

Hisham says incidents meant to provoke clashes

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (picture) said the desecration of two mosques earlier today appeared to be aimed at sparking racial and religious strife.

“I ask everybody to evaluate the situation themselves and give us space to find the perpetrators because I suspect that the purpose of the action is meant to bring chaos to the country. They want clashes between people of different races and religions,” he said.

He asked the public to be patient as the authorities started probing the incidents which followed arson and vandalism attacks on churches in recent weeks.

Hishammuddin said that the police will not compromise on the attacks and promised those responsible for leaving pig heads at two mosques would be caught.

“I am very angry that this incident happened and I will never compromise as you could see with the actions taken against those involved in the church attacks.

“I have ordered the IGP to the mosque to monitor the situation. We will find them and ensure that they will be captured.

“I want everybody to be patient and not listen to any rumours,” he told reporters at the Home Ministry here.

He added that Malaysians are “peace loving people” and would not condone such acts.

Pig heads were reported to be found at two mosques near here this morning, just days after the fire-bombing attacks and acts of vandalism against churches and a Sikh temple had taken place in the wake of the “Allah” controversy.

The two mosques are the Masjid Jumhuriyah in Taman Dato Harun and the Al- Imam Tirmizi mosque at Taman Sri Sentosa.

These latest acts could be construed as attempts to escalate tensions and provoke unrest between Muslims and non-Muslims as pigs are considered unhygienic in Islam and therefore their presence in the mosques is an act of desecration.

Hishammuddin said that the mosque incidents appeared aimed at inciting racial sentiments.

“I hope the people will give us the time to do the investigation because we have shown that we will not compromise on this matter.

Action on church arsonists, even if from Umno

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today promised the government would prosecute the culprits behind the recent firebombing of a church here, even if they were Umno members.

“In fact I am urging the police to take action against the culprits, no matter who they are.”

PKR’s Azmin Ali claimed yesterday he had evidence to prove that some of those responsible for the attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church were Umno members.

Hishammuddin (picture) however dismissed suggestions that Umno was behind the attacks.

Special police team for boar heads

Police are appealing to witnesses to come forward. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 — Police have formed a special investigative team to probe yesterday’s incidents where boar heads were placed at two mosques in Petaling Jaya.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Wira Muhammad Sabtu Osman said the team has been directed to examine every detail related to the case.

“This case involves national security and harmony, and must be dealt with urgently,” he told reporters earlier today.

Beyond determining the motives to the incidents, Muhammad Sabtu added that efforts were ongoing to identify witnesses and clues.

“Those with information on the matter should come forward,” he said.

Yesterday, two boar heads and a pail filled with 30 RM1 notes were placed at the rear entrance to the compound of the Masjid Jumhuriyah in Taman Datuk Haron. Similar items were also found at the entrance to the Masjid Al Imam Al Tirmizi in Taman Sri Sentosa.

Ong: It’s done by irresponsible individuals out to create trouble

Thursday, 28 January 2010 01:00 |

The MCA has strongly condemned the provocative act of throwing wild boar heads into mosques and has urged all Malaysians to stay calm.

Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said this was done by irresponsible individuals who were out to create trouble.

“We should continue to promote understanding and respect among people of different faiths, and not allow such acts to create dissatisfaction and spark enmity among ourselves. I hope the police and relevant authorities will continue to carry out their duties in a professional and swift manner, book the culprits and maintain law and order in the country,” he said in a statement.

»We should not allow such acts to create dissatisfaction and spark enmity among ourselves« DATUK SERI ONG TEE KEAT

Ong said this episode was regrettable in the light of arrests of several suspects to assist in the investigations into the attacks on places of worship in the country recently.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said Malaysians should not have a tit-for-tat attitude on religious and sensitive issues.

He cautioned that provocative and irresponsible acts could create chaos in the country.

While political and religious leaders were striving to settle religious issues confronting the people, there were also people with no sense of responsibility, he said.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said stern and fast action taken by the authorities against the culprits would prevent the unscrupulous act from causing more damage to the harmony among multi-ethnic Malay­sians.

Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun advised the people not to speculate on the incident to avoid creating more misunderstanding.- The Star

Student charged for Facebook 'petrol bomb' remark

Hazlan Zakaria
Jan 15, 10
1:00pm

"Ke nak aku baling bom petrol di sana plak? ... harga boleh runding..." (Do you want me to throw a petrol bomb there? ... the price is negotiable).

This is among the comments that landed 25-year-old Tasyrif Tajuddin (left) in hot soup.

The student with the government-owned Aswara National Academy of Arts and Heritage in Kuala Lumpur was charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court this afternoon for making comments with the "intention to cause harm".

However, no plea was recorded from Tasyrif as the sitting Sessions Court judge was not available. The charge was instead read before Magistrate Koh Khuang Chin.

Tasyrif will be produced before the Sessions Court on Monday for his plea to be recorded.

Prosecution had offered that bail be set at RM10,000, and a decision will be made on Monday. Tasyrif will be remanded until then.





























It is believed that Tasyrif had also commented on his Facebook page that he was responsible for procuring the substance used in the homemade explosive with regards to the spate of attacks on churches.

He also claimed that he was at the scene but was not present when a petrol bomb was hurled at a particular church.

Tasyrif was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act which carries a punishment of one year jail and/or RM50,000 fine if found guilty.

The student was unrepresented while deputy public prosecutor Dusuki Mokhtar led the prosecution.

Tasyrif is the first person to be prosecuted in relation to the attacks.

As of yesterday, 10 churches have been targeted in the wake of a High Court ruling that a Catholic weekly Herald can use the word Allah in their publication's Malay pages.

Church burning in Malaysia , Could they be the work of illegal Indonesian migrants here ?

Imagine a 14 year old Indonesian maid who bluff her age that she was 18 and about to be sent back to Indonesia set fire to the employers house !

As I wrote in my previous article , we should wait for the police to do their work before we start accusing others of being arsonists !

Please pray for persecuted Christians in Indonesia

Brain Sihotang has sent us information about the horrendous persecution of Christians in his country. He says, "Many church burned together with their congregation (people inside). Christian witnesses who went there couldn't describe it because too many had been killed."

This picture shows the inside of one of the torched churches with its victims. Please join us in prayer for these brothers and sisters in Christ. I know God wants His people to stand together in this battle.

Indonesia: Muslims burn Christian church, riot

Indonesia? -- that paradigm of Muslim tolerance and moderation? And the reason? A school teacher somehow or other -- it's often easily and unwittingly done -- "insulted" Islam, and was thus deemed a "blasphemer." But surely these enraged Muslims were among that "minority" of "misinterpreters" of Islam? Nope: it was Indonesia's ulema who "mobilized" the 500-strong Muslim throng, to "protest."

"Muslims burn Christian church in Indonesia," from Spero News, December 11:

Violence ensued when Muslims accused a teacher of blasphemy. Police attempted to restore order in the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia, while stores and offices are closed.

A group of 500 Muslims wreaked havoc and spread panic in Masohi, in the Moluccan Islands, during clashes with police and local Christians. As a result, 45 homes, a church and a village hall were set alight. The spark that set off the violence is an incident in which a teacher allegedly insulted Islam in front of some Muslim students.

Once the story spread, the local Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) mobilised, rallying some 500 people in front of the Central Maluku Education Agency. For more than an hour they protested, accusing the teacher of blasphemy and calling for his dismissal. Afterwards, the protesters marched to police headquarters near the school. When they were told that the police chief was out of town, most of the demonstrators left but a group remained to confront the police. The violence spread and resulted in the burning of Christian homes and a church.

News about the incident in Masohi spread across Seram Island and rekindled memories of the Moluccan War of 1999-2000 when Muslims and Christians clashed, with thousands of deaths. Police are on a heightened state of alert while stores and offices are closed as a precautionary measure. Law enforcement authorities have identified those responsible for the clashes. For his part the teacher who sparked the incident is currently in police custody.

IRWAN FIRDAUS Associated Press Writer
AP Online
12-06-1998
UJUNGPANDANG, Indonesia (AP) _ Guarded by riot police, about 600 Roman Catholics read the Bible at a Sunday service in front of an Indonesian church that was attacked and burned by Muslims.

Several worshippers wept, and three Christian soldiers joined the congregation in the city of Ujungpandang on Sulawesi island, 840 miles east of the capital, Jakarta.

The attack Friday was the latest religious violence to hit Indonesia in recent weeks. Rioters smashed windows and set fire to the Kare Catholic church, burning pews and prayer books and destroying statues and other holy ornaments.

During the past two weeks, at least 25 ...

Five people die in attacks on Indonesian churches
JAKARTA, Oct 11 (Reuter) - Five people died when a mob burned nine churches, four Christian schools and a convent in the Indonesian town of Situbondo, a policeman in the town said on Friday.

"It is true the churches were burnt" on Thursday, the policeman told Reuters by telephone from the town on Java island 800 km (500 miles) east of the capital Jakarta.

"The five died inside a church," he said before the phone was cut off. He said the crowd also destroyed a court building and cars and caused other damage during the violence around 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Indonesia's nearly 200 million population on the archipelago of 17,500 islands is more than 85 percent Moslem, but the state ideology preaches religious tolerance and recognises the five main religions.

Situbondo is about 160 km (100 miles) east of Indonesia's second city, Surabaya, where a number of attacks on churches were reported in June. The reason for these attacks was not clear.

The policeman said it wasn't yet known what had cause the Sitobondo riot or whether it had been organised. A number of people had been detained and investigations were continuing, he added.

A Surabaya-based journalist who went to Situbondo said the riot apparently broke out after a hearing in the court into a case of alleged blasphemy against Islam.

He said several thousand people outside the court during the third hearing into the cased called for the accused to be sentenced immediately or handed over to the crowd. He said another church was also burnt in the neighbouring town of Panarukan.

A hall being used by Roman Catholics as a church in a village in east Jakarta was burned down in mid-September. Catholics in the area attributed the attack to religious antagonism towards their presence.

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.

Pakatan Rakyat behind The Arson Attack ?

Read this and my other article Burning of the Reichstag

From the blog Tunku

This is the expertise of anwar,to bring chaos in the country.With the Sarawak state election expected to be held this year he is trying hard to get the support from Sarawakians and he knows that the majority of Sarawakians are Christian. He had used the same day that the Muslim did some peaceful protest rally for his mission. This was well planned by them.Right after that we can hear the voices from pakatan leaders especially zaid ibrahim started to blame Umno.Umno till today had never terrorize as it always believe in negotiations and discussions.We achieved our independence through negotiations and discussions. anwar and his pakatan buddies had planned this to undermine the government and had planned for the international level pressure to Najib's government.Malaysian should be alert on this matter as we want to maintain our peaceful society.We don't even want to be like Australia where Indians are torched alive. So my fellow Malaysians, don't falls into the pakatan's trap. I am not saying all their leaders are bad but most of them as to them power comes first , people and the country last. people like anwar does not deserve to be citizen of this beloved country. he has only his own personal agenda. He's trying his best to divert all the issue from his coming court case which will be very soon. As for yesterday arson attacks, we hope our fellow Christian brothers and sisters calm down and we the Muslims in this country condemn the arson attacks.We had live together peacefully all these while and we will make sure that we will live peacefully together forever.

Ong wants Pakatan to stop pointing fingers

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 – The MCA president today asked Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to stop blaming the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) for the Church attacks.

Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat stressed that everybody must let the police handle the current situation.

“I must say that at this juncture since we are all aware that this has been handled by the police, why not we leave it to the police to conduct their work professionally rather than jumping onto the bandwagon by accusing others,” he told reporters at MCA headquarters here.

Thus far, there have been seven attacks against churches over three days.

Petrol bombs were also found at a convent school in Taiping earlier today.

He also urged all Malaysians to not make statements that could incite hate.

“I think it is not just Umno or anybody but rather it applies to all Malaysians and I presume that the overwhelming majority of Malaysians, who are rational, love this country, treasure the existing racial and religious harmony.

“We would certainly be supportive of whatever efforts or initiative designed to enhance our integration and harmony,” he said.

PR has been blaming Umno for raising the mercury in the “Allah” issue .

Ong added that there is “no room for any despicable attacks” in the country.

“There is no room for any despicable attacks that was mentioned earlier. There is no room for that. Nobody in their right state of mind would condone that kind of despicable deeds,” he said.

Church holds service at Wisma MCA (Update)
















By LESTER KONG, SHAMINI ANN AND WINNIE YEOH

KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Metro Tabernacle Church packed Wisma MCA’s San Choon Hall to capacity for their Sunday service.

The church’s lay leader Peter Yeow said the secretariat worked most of Saturday night to get the hall ready for the service, which started at 10am.

“We had to bring a lot of equipment over from the church. Luckily, they were not damaged because they were upstairs, not where the burning was,” Yeow said when met at Wisma MCA.

The congregation, which arrived as early as 8am, was joined by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Koh Tsu Koon and MCA treasurer Senator Tan Sri Tee Hock Seng.

The service was conducted in both Mandarin and English, as the service had to accommodate both services, which are usually conducted separately.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced on Saturday that there would be a RM500,000 allocation to help refurbish the church after an arson attack on Friday morning burnt most of its administrative centre on the ground floor.

On Friday, the Metro Tabernacle Church in Kuala Lumpur, the Assumption Church and Life Chapel Church, both in Petaling Jaya were partly damaged by arson attacks.

Attacks on places of worship a cowardly act

By Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat

I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn about acts of terror and intimidation when explosives were thrown at 2 churches in the Klang Valley. Whilst there is relief from initial reports that no lives were lost nor were there injuries, I have directed MCA leaders to go to the sites where the events took place to render any possible assistance to the churches and worshippers.

I condemn such cowardly show of brute force and intimidation, and there is neither excuse nor justification for them.

All religions teaches peace and tolerance of others. Rather, it is the cowardly actions of an irresponsible group of individuals who are out to sow the seeds of hatred.

I understand that the atmosphere may be tense and therefore appeal for calm among all concerned Malaysians.

On the issue of the usage of the word “Allah”, it is best for the proper due process and the Rule of Law to take its place. We should also approach this sensitive matter through discussion and consultation under the light of reason and civility.

Destructive actions and words fuelled by the fires of hate and prejudice have no place in this country for they are inconsistent with the spirit of One Malaysia, and runs counter to the spirit of democracy and freedom preserved by our Federal Constitution.

We cannot allow anyone to create an impression that Malaysia condones or promotes fanaticism as it would affect foreign investment and tourism. The police should also act swiftly and effectively to catch those responsible for the attacks, and bring them to the face of justice.

The MCA has also rented Dewan San Choon in Wisma MCA to enable the Metro Tabernacle A/G Church to conduct their prayer service there this Sunday. They are grateful for the offer and MCA would assist the church in any way it could.

Khairy: 'A sad day for Malaysia'

Barisan Nasional Youth has strongly condemned arson attacks on the Metro Tabernacle church, Desa Melawati this morning as outrage continue to pour over a court decision to allow a Catholic magazine to use the word 'Allah'.

"Regardless of what anyone feels about the (issue), destroying a place of worship like what happened last night is indefensible," said BN Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

"If Muslims are responsible for the incident, they should be ashamed and repent over their actions, because Islam requires its adherents to respect the religious freedoms of non-Muslims".

Khairy said Malaysia was a plural society and misunderstandings are bound to occur in racial and religious matters.

"What is important is that the public must be mature and resolve any problems in a proper way and always be respectful of the rights of others," he said.

Khairy urged everyone to be cautious in the statements and actions following the arson incident. He also urged the police to take stern action against those behind the arson attacks.

At about midnight this morning, the administrative floor of the three-story Metro Tabernacle church was torched by several people on motorcycles.

Khairy was among several notable Muslim personalities who visited the church this morning.

He said that his visit to the church was to show his anger against the despicable and irrational act.

"This is a sad day for Malaysia. This is not Malaysia," he told reporters.

He also urged Malaysians to contribute towards the rebuilding of the torched church.

Losing the moral high ground

Meanwhile popular blogger Marina Mahathir, daughter of the former premier, urged fellow Muslims to condemn the act.

"This is not Islamic. The Quran does not preach us to burn down places of worship," she said after visiting the Metro Tabernacle church.

She also urged on national leaders to play a pivotal role in bringing calm to the tense situation.

"The NGO's who want to protest today are merely NGOs and are not Islamic," she said.

"This is not how Muslims should behave. We have lost the moral high ground."

Police have refused to link the incident with numerous protest planned for today after Friday prayers to protest the court decision.

Wee: Test for 1Malaysia concept

Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong, who also visited the church, reiterated Khairy's stand by saying that this was a sad day for all Malaysians.

He also said that this was a test for the 1Malaysia concept espoused by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"The prime minister must ensure that there is no recurrence.

"I called on everyone not to take reprisal actions. All places of worship must be protected," he said.

He further added that the arson attacks on churches were "not a racial attack but a crime".

Attacks are against Islamic teaching

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said that the attacks against the churches were against the teachings of Islam.

"This could only be done by people who do not understanding their religion," he said in a statement.

He reminded Muslims that Islam upholds non-Muslims' rights and freedom to embrace other religion.

"Many verses in the Al Quran and Hadith forbid Muslims to disrupt the religious practices, priests and places of worship of other religion," he said.

In another statement Selangor PAS also condemned the attacks on churches and urged all party members to remain calm.

"We also don't want any parties to create tensions and exploit the tense situation in Selangor which is ruled by us (Pakatan Rakyat)," said Selangor PAS information chief Roslan Shahir.