KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today called for racial harmony and the rule of law to be respected by all, in the wake of violent disturbances over the relocation of the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya.
However, the former Home Minister took issue with those blaming the police for failing to control the situation over the past 36 hours, saying that the riots were the result of lack of respect for the rule of law.
“(Placing the blame) and responsibility on the police is not right. All parties must respect the law,” Zahid said.
He added that the issue of Indian temples is extremely sensitive, and is one of the reasons the Barisan Nasional government fell in Selangor.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference at Parliament’s lobby here, Zahid said that several factors must be taken into account in addressing the recent street turmoil.
“Firstly, laws and rules outlined by state governments and local councils must be (observed by all, including) landowners and places of worship.
“Secondly, even though… the Federal Constitution… allows for the free practise of (religions other than the country’s official religion of Islam), they must be conducted according to rules and regulations outlined,” he said.
Zahid added that all races must respect each other, and no one should take it upon themselves to “be a hero for a particular religion, and use their portfolio for (enhancing unity) to provoke (adherents of) that religion.”
The Bagan Datuk MP also said that the burden of being sensitive about religious matters should not be borne by just “one particular race,” adding that racial harmony must be maintained by prudent enforcement.