IPOH: The controversial Jerusalem Jubilee gathering is banned in Malaysia and any application of permit will not be approved said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this is the directive issued to the police under his jurisdiction as the Home Minister.
“This message is loud and clear. Malaysia as multi-racial country practices freedom of religions, but we will not tolerate insensitivity towards Muslims, especially when an event was to be held to celebrate Israeli occupation of Palestine.
“I would like to thank the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) for lodging police reports, from which the matter was forwarded to Bukit Aman and referred to me.
“I am colour blind when it comes to upholding the law and protecting the sensitivity of all religions. I respect other religions, but please respect the sensitivity of Muslims,” he said in his speech after Iftar at Masjid An-Nur in Tambun here.
He said Article 3 of the Federal Constitution clearly states that Islam is the religion of the Federal and thus must be respected.
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Tambun MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.
Zahid later headed for Masjid Jamek Idris Iskandar Shah in Sungai Rokam to perform Isyak and terawih prayers.
Earlier today, it was reported that organisers of the gathering have called off the gathering which was scheduled to be held in Melaka from June 15 to 18.
The event had drawn criticism from religious groups and the public, questioning the choice of venue.