Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar made a mistake in clearing the Taman Medan church protesters even before an investigation commenced, said former police chief Musa Hassan.

"He should act professionally," he said when questioned on the matter.

"Well...he should just say that investigation is being done rather than saying this is not an offence, because you have to start an investigation first," he added.

Khalid had ruled out seditious elements in the protest by some 50 Muslim residents demanding that a church take down a cross from its building.

The police chief also described the protest, in which his brother Abdullah was involved, as a flashmob.

However, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi considered the protest seditious.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak ticked off the protesters and warned that action could be taken under the Sedition Act 1948.

Despite initial reports claiming that Abdullah led the protest, the IGP's brother later claimed that he was mediating between the protesters and church officials.

The Umno branch chairperson was questioned by the police yesterday.

[More to follow]