The police stamped down on the demonstration opposing the goods and services tax but acted 'softly' on the church protest.

However these aren't acts of double standards, the Home Ministry said.

"The Royal Malaysia Police has never implemented double standards, the force is not selective in its investigations and actions," the ministry said in parliamentary written reply released yesterday.

"The government looks at criminal incidents seriously.

"The investigation is conducted regardless whether it (was) committed by an individual of influence or otherwise," the ministry added.

Replying to Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah), the ministry said there is no absolute power given to an individual for assembly and speech-making, especially when it is an obvious offence.

Lim in his question urged the government to explain its double standards practice against the anti-GST protest held on March 23 and the church protest held at Taman Megah on  April 19, where both groups practised their constitutional rights to gather.

Some 50 residents turned up outside at the newly set up church, forcing it to take down its cross.

 

Abdullah Abu Bakar, the brother of Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, as well as former Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno Wanita chief Munaliza Hamzah were seen at the protest.

 

None of the protesters were arrested despite the presence of the police. The ministry had claimed it was not necessary to detain the protesters.

 

However in the GST protest, 79 activists and political leaders were arrested. 25 were remanded between May 24 and 25.

 

The police has concluded its investigation of church protest and submitted its report to the Attorney-General Chambers for further action.

 

In the GST protest, 52 were charged about a month after the protest, on Apr 23 and May 2.