The government has stood by police measures taken during the Feb 10 demolition of part of a temple structure in Rawang, Selangor, emphasising that disputes involving houses of worship must be resolved through legal channels rather than provocation.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he will brief the Cabinet tomorrow on the incident, outlining the individuals involved and the actions taken by police to manage the situation.
“Sometimes police action is seen only from one perspective. When gatherings are organised around such issues, enforcement may be portrayed as disregarding freedom of assembly and speech,” he told reporters after the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya. “The police rely on Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code to prevent or stop offences. Pre-emptive action is allowed under the law.”
Saifuddin stressed that constitutional freedoms are not absolute, noting: “Freedom of speech is not freedom to incite or inflame sentiments that heighten racial and religious tensions. There are limits.”
He added that the temple issue has existed for years and warned against manipulation by individuals seeking to exploit emotions instead of pursuing lawful solutions. “If it concerns land matters, refer to the state government. Local planning issues? Refer to the local authority. Legal issues? Follow the laws and enforcement bodies.”
Selangor police confirmed that four men were detained after a report was lodged regarding the unauthorised demolition. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said investigations revealed that the structure was removed without notifying the local authority or the complainant, and a backhoe used in the demolition has been seized.
The case is being probed under Sections 427, 295, 504, and 447 of the Penal Code, with police urging the public to refrain from speculation or statements that could escalate tensions during the investigation.
