In the wake of the arrests of eight suspects of church arson attacks over the last two days, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said today the police would press on relentlessly to

identify and arrest the others involved.

"The police will continue to seek out the others involved in the incidents (of arson attacks on houses of worship)," he said in a statement.

NONE The police arrested eight men over the last two days for allegedly having been involved in the arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, on Jan 8.

Arson attacks were made also on several other churches in the Klang Valley. These attacks had come following a High Court ruling on Dec 31 last year allowing the Catholic weekly magazine, Herald, to use the word "Allah" (God) in its publications.

The court had allowed a stay of execution pending an appeal against the decision by the Home Ministry.

Hisham tells politicians to be cautious

Hishammuddin said he had asked the police to expedite preparation of the investigation papers to prosecute the eight men.

He said he had also asked deputy inspector-general of police Ismail Omar to continue with the police probe into other cases of attacks on houses of worship, including mosques and "surau".

He said the police were monitoring the situation closely because it touched on religious sensitivities.

"We realise the negative impact and consequences on the people and country if the matter is not handled prudently.

"As such, I wish to advise all quarters, particularly political leaders, to exercise caution and be prudent and responsible when making statements on the issue," he said.

Hishammuddin said the police would not hesitate to take severe action against those attempting to undermine peace and security in the country.

- Bernama