The group of 25 eminent Malays has called on the authorities to take firm action against protesters who urged for the removal of a cross from a church building.

This is because religious extremists in the society will only be emboldened and encouraged to believe that they can trample on the rights of Malaysian citizens of other faiths with impunity if the authorities fail to take firm action against them.

"It will also provide damning evidence to the international community that Malaysia is no longer a country where racial harmony reigns and religious freedom is practised," the group, dubbed the G25, said in a statement.

"This unfortunate incident, happening so close to the questionable guidelines issued by Jakim on entertainers, will have serious implications on our economy as it may well frighten away foreign investors as well as tourists."

Commenting further on the incident, the group branded it an "abhorrent act of intolerance and bigotry" against another religion's place of worship.

"[...] (It) has no place in Islam and deserves the strongest condemnation.

"The protesters  are obviously ignorant of the tenets of their faith and need to deepen their knowledge of Islam and of Islamic history," the group said.

G25 said the history of Islam was replete with examples of tolerance and respect for other faiths and their places of worship and Prophet Muhammad himself had allowed a visiting Christian delegation from Yemen who was led by their bishop, to pray in his mosque in Madinah.  

Tarnished image of Islam

"The Taman Medan protestors, by their crude, disrespectful and unreasonable behaviour, have tarnished the image of Islam, the very religion they claim to 'protect'.

"Islam is a religion of peace, mercy and compassion and there is no place in Islam for intolerance towards other faiths and their places of worship," the group added.

A newly set-up church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya had a rude shock when protesters turned up at its doorstep on Sunday demanding that it take down its cross.

According to a video uploaded by The Star Online , some 50 residents appeared outside the church demanding that a cross installed onto the wall be removed.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, whose brother, Umno division leader Abdullah Abu Bakar was involved in the protest, has since said the protest was not seditious as it did not touch on the Christian faith.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi however said the protest was indeed seditious .