The Penang police have recorded statements from two leaders of the Malay rights group, Perkasa - its president Ibrahim Ali and information chief Roslan Kassim - over rumours that a 'festival' was being organised to burn Bibles containing the word 'Allah' in the Malay and Jawi versions.

NONE Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi (left) said that rumours had been spread that the 'Bible-burning' gathering would be held at Padang Bandaran, Bagan Luar in Butterworth near George Town, on Sunday.

    

He said the police had recorded statements from both the Perkasa leaders yesterday, and that the investigation report was ready.

    

"Police recorded statements from both the leaders in George Town yesterday, and they were cooperative. We have prepared the investigation report and which will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers," he told reporters at the Penang police headquarters in George Town today.

    

On Tuesday, a priest lodged a police report in Penang over the distribution of anonymous pamphlets at a church, advertising a ‘festival’ to burn the Malay language Bibles, in a field.

   

Police assured that there would be no such gathering to burn Bibles as alleged at Padang Bandaran, Bagan Luar because such rumours were being spread by some irresponsible people.

            

Abdul Rahim said apart from the two leaders, statements were also recorded from a number of individuals to assist their investigations.

    

Muslim and Christian leaders in George Town have been at loggerheads over the use of the Arabic word ‘Allah’, with the former claiming it to be referred exclusively to the Islamic god.

- Bernama