About 30 people rallied against the International Scottish Masonic conference in Batu Feringghi in Penang today.

They were led by Gerakan Merah Malaysia chief Mohd Ali Baharom, better known as Ali Tinju, Jaringan Melayu Malaysia president Azwanddin Hamzah, and Penang Perkasa Youth chief Ridzuad Azuddin.

The group chanted anti-Jewish slogans and demanded to see the general manager of the Bayview Beach Hotel where the three-day conference was being held.

At about 3.15pm, the police intervened and threatened arrests if the group barged into the hotel but the group demanded to see the hotel's general manager.

Several members of the group were allowed in at 3.40pm to meet with the hotel management.

Several FRU personnel arrived at 3.45pm to prevent the small but restless group from entering the hotel.

The group earlier claimed that the Freemasons were linked to Zionists and propagated “evil conspiracy theories against Islam and Muslims”.

After more chants of "Hidup Melayu!" and "Allahuakhbar!", the group dispersed around 4pm.

'New world doctrine'

Speaking to the press before they left, Azwanddin demanded Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to answer if the state had sponsored the conference.

"He must answer this question, and he must no longer allow such a conference to take place in Penang," said Azwanddin.

He said the Freemasons promoted a new world doctrine which Muslims reject as it is against Islam.

He also alleged that it was responsible for wars especially in Muslim countries, and also promoted lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.

Ridzuad said the group was out to "destroy" the Muslim faith, and the Malay NGOs would fight against such intentions.

"Although there was a bit of chaos just now, we managed to stop the conference.

"However, we are disappointed with this hotel. Other hotels did not allow this conference but this one did.

"If they continue their conference, we will come and protest again," he warned.

JMM vice-president Razali Zakaria accused DAP of sponsoring the event and the Freemasons of sabotaging Islam.

"We demand such activities be stopped at once. We will continue to fight until the Freemasons are eliminated from the world," he said firmly.