The Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Murphy Pakiam today demanded an explanation from the authorities over their decision not to take action against two Al-Islam journalists alleged to have desecrated a sacred Catholic ritual.

"I appeal to the attorney-general to explain the decision not to take further action on the Al-Islam journalists' case," said Pakiam during a press conference at his office in Kuala Lumpur.

"The (decision not to) prosecute appears to legitimise the actions of the Al-Islam journalists."

However, when asked, Pakiam said that he believed that the Catholic community will be "satisfied" if the journalists and publisher apologise.

"When (Tamil newspaper) Makkal Ossai published a photo depicting the sacred heart in an offending manner, the editor apologised, we accepted it and the matter was closed.

"Forgiveness is the main line in our church. We are always seeking for God's forgiveness for our wrongdoings and for those who do us wrong," he said.  

NONE Last year, the May edition of the Al-Islam - a monthly magazine published by Utusan Karya Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Utusan Melayu Bhd - carried a report by the two authors who narrated their attempts to verify claims that proselytisation of Muslims were taking place in two unnamed churches in Kuala Lumpur.

The two authors wrote that they took part in the holy communion and later spat out the bread given to them.

This act was considered an insult and a police report was lodged against the duo. 

Subsequently, the police announced that the duo were investigated under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.

'Don't hold demos'

However, the Dang Wangi police district headquarters revealed charges against the duo were dropped . In a Feb 12 letter to the complainant, K Sudhagaran Stanley, they stated that no further action will be taken against the duo.

As a result, and much to Pakiam's disagreement, Sudhagaran is planning a protest against the decision later this month.

"Street protests on these issues are very precarious and can easily go out of hand... the more tension we have, the more the need to create dialogue," he said, frowning.

He also said that the church will not pursuit a civil suit, opting instead to "rely on the goodwill" of the authorities.

But when quizzed on why the church is not taking a stronger stance, despite the Home Ministry's silence on their memorandum sent six months earlier, Pakiam said: "We are hoping for some action... whatever their reasons are, we will continue to bring out our grievances."

Also present at the press conference was Catholic Lawyers Society president Mabel Sabastian, who said the attorney-general has discretionary rights on whether to press charges on the two journalists.

However, she added, it is possible for the complainant to appeal for the decision to be reviewed.

KJ defends AG decision

The issue, which was brought to attention in July last year, has caught the attention of politicians and legal experts, most of whom condemned the journalists.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who called the act "appalling and offensive" last year has, however, defended the attorney-general's decision.

This is because, he said, the decision may have been reached to "balance out" the tensions caused by the issue revolving the use of the word 'Allah'.

But according to Bar Council president K Ragunath, the attorney-general has to be "accountable" and provide an explanation of how the decision was reached.

"It's important for us to know the reasons. There might be mitigating factors, (so they should explain) so that we don't prejudge if the case should be brought to court or not," he told Malaysiakini earlier today.

Disagreeing, MCA NGO liaison bureau chairman Ti Lian Ker, who had strongly condemned the journalists last year, said that "prima facie has been established so the AG should have let the courts decide."

"If (the authorities) can take a strict stand on other frivolous issues concerning individuals, then they should take an equally strict stand on matters of public interest," he said when contacted.

AG defends his decision

In a statement faxed to Malaysiakini late this evening, attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail defended his decision not to charge the duo.

“The actions of the two reporters may have hurt the feelings of the people but I was satisfied that they did not intend offend anyone. It was an act of sheer ignorance.

lingam tape panel meeting 031007 abdul gani patail "Therefore, in view of the circumtances at that particular time and in the interest of justice, peace and harmony, I decided not to press any charges against them.”

He said that the two journalists did not cause any disturbance when they went undercover at the St Anthony Church in Puduraya.

“In fact, no one in the church was aware that they were Malays. In the church, they were given the white bread by the pastor which they subsequently brought back to their office. It was further disclosed that they did not know the significance of the white bread.

“I have previously decided similarly in other cases where circumstances were quite similar involving other religions. Under those circumstances, taking a serious action would not be in the interest of justice at that particular time.”

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