Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein's comments on the alleged plot to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation smacks of fear mongering, said Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian.

"Federal ministers from Umno should not allow their emotions to sweep away their intellect and come out with sensational statements that smack of scare-mongering.

"It is cheap, crude and cowardly. To scare Muslims into a siege mentaility insults the intelligence of the very people they are trying to endear," he said.

Baru was responding to Hishammuddin's comments on Sunday, describing the the purported meeting of pastors in Penang to discuss making Christinity the "official religion" of the federation, as a " serious " allegation.

Hishammuddin said this when asked about a Utusan Malaysia front page report on Saturday, which quoted two pro-Umno blogs who described the alleged plot. Christian groups have strongly denied the Utusan report.

But what is irking Hishammuddin's critics is his apparent attempt to take the report at face value when he said: "If certain races resorted to raising issues in an excessive manner, it will invite reactions from other races".

Hisham should learn from Dompok

Baru said it was "most unfortunate" that the home minister failed to verify the facts before making a public statement.

"This irresponsible act and lack of initiative by the Home Minister, no less, only serve to inflame already frayed emotions over a sensitive matter," he said.

Meanwhile, Baru stated his endorsement for Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Bernard Dompok's statement that the the Federal Constitution was silent on religious affiliation to qualify as prime minister.

Baru, who is a veteran lawyer, Dompok had made a "correct" interpretation of the matter and Hishammuddin should learn from him.

"Instead of fueling fear, it is incumbent upon the home minister to educate the public and ensure national security.

"I wish to remind Sarawakians that as the Federal Constitution stands, there is no legislation that precludes a Christian from becoming the Prime Minister," said Baru, who is was recently elected as the state assemblyperson for Ba'Kelalan.

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Must they resort to this every time?