The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 - Under fire from the public and opposition, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has changed his tune and is now asking for stern action against those involved in the cow-head protest in Shah Alam last week.

The Umno vice-president has told the police to proceed with investigations and bring to court those who brought the severed cow-head to protest a Hindu temple relocation. Cows are sacred in Hinduism.

“The police have identified the individuals involved," Hishammuddin said in a statement today.

The police have already wrapped up their investigations and have handed over the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.

The Home Minister said yesterday that the residents of Section 23 should not be charged as they only wanted their voices to be heard but it was unfortunate that “the publicity they received was negative as it was linked with racial and religious sentiments.”

Hishamuddin’s stand on the matter has been criticised by many, most notably top Pakatan Rakyat leaders who have since called for Hishammuddin to be sacked from the Cabinet.

International Trade and Industry deputy minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir today supported Hishammuddin's earlier views, almost a week after some 50 demonstrated against the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government’s decision to relocate the 150-year-old Sri Mahamariamman temple from Section 19 to Section 23 in Shah Alam. Two men brought the severed cow-head and stomped and spat on it, raising the ire of other Malaysians.

One of the protest leaders also threatened bloodshed if the Selangor government went ahead with its plans to relocate the temple.

In his statement today, Hishammuddin said although the residents were angry with the state government and had no intention of hurting the feeling of any other race, such action could not be tolerated.

“The Home Ministry view seriously all issues that could undermine the harmony, unity, national security and stability of this multiracial country,’’ he added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said that the police and Attorney-General’s Chambers would decide whether the protestors had violated any laws under the Sedition Act. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan had also said police had identified the main culprits involved and the Attorney-General had directed further investigations.

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