A group of Sarawak lawyers today called for an independent inquiry into the possibility of political elements playing a role in the recent spate of attacks on churches.

NONE Led by Chong Chien Jen, who is the DAP MP for Bandar Kuching, the legal eagles also took a swipe at the Home Ministry for its alleged failure to handle the issue effectively.

"We condemn the double standards practised by the Home Ministry in not stopping the demonstrations against the Kuala Lumpur High Court's judgment (on the 'Allah issue)," he told a press conference outside the Kuching court complex.

The lawyers, who expressed support for the judgment, urged the government to put an end to acts which could be seen as applying pressure on the judiciary.

Inter-faith dialogues needed

In addition, the lawyers also called for the establishment of an inter-faith council and inter-faith dialogues to foster religious tolerance and promote peace.

NONE They are also stressed that all races have the right to propagate religion as accorded by the federal constitution.

On Dec 31, the high court ruled that Catholic weekly, Herald, could use the word Allah in its Bahasa Malaysia pages.

However, the court granted a stay of execution to the Home Ministry, pending an appeal.

Since last Friday, nine churches have been attacked, mostly with petrol bombs, in the Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Sarawak.

However, the police have said the Sarawak incident, where a church was pelted with stones, is believed to be the work of delinquents.