I agree with Dr Jacob George about the demolition of the Orang Asli church . Indeed it was a shameful act. Add to that, thoughtless, and un-Malaysian. It should be protested by all fair-minded Malaysians in no uncertain terms.

But what does one expect from the authorities who act as if they are a law unto themselves and have no regard for others, their feelings, their rights and their welfare? Christians in Malaysia are not new to harassment, persecution and unfair treatment by the authorities. But this latest act sinks persecution to a new low.

Reverend Yeoh should seek legal counsel if the constitutional and legal rights of the Orang Asli have been violated. It is unfair of the authorities to kick out the people from their original location to one where no provision was made for their social and spiritual needs. Surely the government can't be that inconsiderate and unkind to let it happen under its nose.

If Islam Hadhari provides the ethos for the nation, does that include destroying the religious buildings of others? If the authorities are consistent, then they should go around the country and destroy all religious buildings that are on state land without the necessary approvals. I can point them to some.

It is not unknown for the authorities to hamper religious activities by withholding permits to erect places of worship instead of facilitating their smooth construction. Religion plays an important role in the lives of Malaysians and only a shortsighted official would want to hinder or stifle religious activity of the wholesome sort that Christians promote.

Some of these officious officials ought to take lessons on religious tolerance and not think that they are earning brownie points when they destroy the religious buildings that they disapprove. Such mistaken religious fervour bordering on fanaticism is dangerous and has no place in a tolerant society. From time to time their actions betray the sentiments they harbour.

All the Orang Asli want is a new church building. A place they can be proud of, because while Christians place no significance on brick and mortar or timber and zinc, they need somewhere to meet and encourage each other as they worship God together.

What was on the minds of the authorities to destroy the building so close to Christmas? Could they not have waited until whatever problem of legal occupation was resolved without traumatising the people involved? You want insensitivity and arrogance, look no further.

In solidarity with the Orang Asli, I urge they pursue the matter with the government. All Christians and churches should write to the prime minister and register their disapproval of the shameful act of destruction and seek redress for the Orang Asli.

Do the authorities prefer the Orang Asli to worship in catacombs, caves or under trees? Surely in this day and age and in a multi-religious country like Malaysia where the Constitution provides for the freedom of worship, the authorities would have got their act together instead of acting like the Taliban and going around destroying religious buildings under pretext.

This is classic Malaysia - hypocritical, inconsistent and absolutely unconscionable. When will it grow up?