The Opposition Front (BA) today called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and make public their findings on the recent arson and vandalism of Catholic churches.

In its statement, the front which comprises PAS, Keadilan and PRM, condemned the attack on the Christian Community Centre in Subang Jaya on Oct 27 as well as the three earlier attempts of arson and vandalism on the Catholic churches in Segamat (Johor), and Sungai Petani and Gurun in Kedah in the last couple of weeks.

The statement was signed by PAS president Fadzil Noor, Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Ismail and PRM's Dr Syed Husin Ali.

The leaders also voiced their concern that the quick denial by the police that these incidents are connected to one another, or with events on and after Sept 11, "may have the unexpected result of further strengthening suspicion among some that the truth may be just the reverse".

The Star reported that on Saturday morning, a fire razed the building of Christ Community Centre at Subang Jaya - the fourth of such cases involving churches over the last two weeks. It was reported that the authorities do not suspect any foul play.

The BA leaders added these undesirable incidents can have very serious implications and consequences on inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations in this country.

"We recommend that there be increased vigilance by the authorities in ensuring the safety of all places of worship from now on."

They said that it is most unfortunate that almost immediately following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon there has been a spate of arson attacks committed on Muslim mosques in the US, Europe and Australia.

"Now, after the high-tech US bombardment of Afghanistan, which has inflicted deaths and injuries on many innocent people, we hear of counter-attacks on churches and Christians in the region, particularly in Pakistan and Indonesia."

Work together

They noted that the emotions and suspicions have recently been running high within different communities in this country.

"But we sincerely hope that such senseless attacks and counterattacks should not be allowed to spread or be condoned in our society. As responsible citizens of Malaysia, we should all work together to ensure that there would be no more attacks on churches."

The BA leaders also reminded all of the need to remain highly respectful, not just tolerant, of each other's religions and cultures. "We should restrain ourselves as well as those close to us from being provoked into any such despicable and irresponsible actions."

On Tuesday, Bukit Aman spokesperson ASP Shamsudin Ali said investigation of the fires was still going on and he hoped the issue will not be sensationalised because it involved religious sensitivities.

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai has said that attacks on churches are reported from time to time and cannot be interpreted as anything more than "mischief activities".

Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was reported yesterday to have said that the state government will go all out to find out if the Subang Jaya church fire was arson.