[Straits Times] PRIME Minister Najib Razak on Saturday moved swiftly to calm religious tensions as news emerged that a fourth church had been targeted by arsonists.
The church attacks - following a recent High Court ruling that allowed Christians to use the word 'Allah' to refer to God - has stunned Malaysians unused to such violence.
The attacks drew condemnation on Saturday from leaders across the political divide.
'Acts such as the burning of the house of worship of other religions are a heinous act,' said Datuk Seri Najib who, along with several Cabinet ministers and their deputies, visited the Metro Tabernacle church here.
Exhorting all parties not to act emotionally, he also announced a RM500,000 (S$206,000) relocation fund for the church, the ground floor of which was gutted by the fire.
'This is a sincere contribution from the government,' he told reporters. 'The government is deeply committed to maintain harmony and cordial relations between the various races and religions in our country.'
|