BN official Facebook page 'Friends of BN - Barisan Nasional' joined the chorus condemning the Petaling Jaya demonstration on Sunday to urge a church to take down its cross sign.  

This comes after those who participated in the protest denied it is Umno-backed, although many of them are local Umno division or branch leaders.

"We Malaysians live in religious diversity and must respect other religions, like how we want our religion to be respected.

"It is generally accepted that Malays, who are Muslim, are sensitive towards the cross sign. But if a Muslim’s faith is strong, he or she need not fear other religions’ symbols," it said.

A newly-opened church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya took down its cross sign after a protest by residents who say it is inappropriate for an area with 95 percent Malays.

 

Kami di Friends of BN - Barisan Nasional mengutuk kejadian demo memaksa pihak gereja menurunkan tanda salib di Taman...

Posted by Friends of BN - Barisan Nasional on Monday, April 20, 2015

'Religions shouldn't cause discord'

However, 'Friends of BN' said even the Prophet Muhammad respected other religions.

"Religion is meant to safeguard peace, not cause discord," it said.

Among Umno leaders present were Kampung Lindungan Umno branch chief Abdullah Abu Bakar (left) , who is also the brother of Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.

Abdullah said he was there to mediate between the group and the church, and maintain the peace.

He said there was fear among locals that the church might proselytise to Muslims, prompting demands for the church’s closure, but mediators manage to convince the group to accept the compromise of taking down the cross.

Also seen holding placards, which warned against stoking Muslim anger, was former Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno Wanita chief Munaliza Hamzah, who was BN’s Taman Medan assemblyperson candidate in the 13th general election.

Contacted today, Munaliza dismissed claims that the protest is seditious, saying that no one died or got upset over it.

While IGP Khalid agrees that it is not seditious , Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi differs and wants police to investigate.