Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdullah Mohd Zin denied that the global demonstrations against the publication of cartoons satirising Prophet Muhammad were going overboard.

The minister in charge of Islamic affairs said it was only appropriate that Muslim anger be expressed against the newspapers that had published the offending cartoons. He said playing with such sensitive matters such as religion was akin to "playing with fire."

"This is a matter of religion, which cannot be played around with. It is a serious matter. You cannot play with fire," said Abdullah at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today after launching the 'E-Halal' information system set up by the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim).

"It is only right for us (Muslims) to state our protest against in such (adverse) circumstances," he added.

Abdullah stopped short, however, of commenting on the more violent manifestations of Muslim anger which have led to the burning of Danish embassies and the death of three people in Somalia and Afghanistan.

Abdullah also refused to comment on whether the cabinet had today discussed the issue of T he Sarawak Tribune , one of whose editors had allegedly resigned over the reprint of the cartoons that had first appeared in a Danish daily.

Anger has intensified in recent weeks over the Sept 30 publication in Danish daily Jyllands-Posten of 12 cartoons satirising the Prophet Muhammad. Several European newspapers reprinted the cartoons as a statement of support for press freedom.

A riot in Beirut led to the setting on fire of the Danish consulate there and an attack against a Maronite Catholic church. In Afghanistan, one person was killed and two were wounded when shooting erupted in the eastern Afghan town of Mehtarlam.

Syrian protesters set fire to the Norwegian and Danish embassies in Damascus.

Local turn

Diplomatic relations have been shaken, particularly between the Danish government and Muslim governments worldwide, with several diplomats having been recalled. Danish companies in the Middle East have reported drastic drops in sales.

The issue took on a local turn when The Sarawak Tribune last Saturday reprinted one of the cartoons. The paper has made a public apology over the incident, while group editor Toman Mamora ventured further and blamed the editor on duty.

But in an interview with malaysiakini , the editor concerned asserted that contrary to assertions by his former newspaper's top leadership, he was asked to leave and had not resigned voluntarily.

Contrary to Toman's claims, he also insists that he was not solely responsible for the reprint of the cartoons as a senior editor was around to approve the page containing the offending caricature.

Following a show-cause letter, the Tribune submitted a letter to the Internal Security Ministry, which is headed by the prime minister, explaining why its permit should not be revoked over the incident.