KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 — The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) today expressed its disappointment that Putrajaya has decided not to act against the residents who protested the establishment of a church in Taman Medan, Selangor nine months ago.
Its general secretary Rev Hermen Shastri said the protesters had clearly interfered with the church followers’ constitutional freedom of worship.
“The CCM wishes to express its disappointment that no further action is to be taken against the protesters at the Taman Medan church protest in April 2015,” Shastri said in a statement.
“The CCM views the actions of the protesters as an interference with the freedom of worship of the church members.
“It is important that the freedom of worship of persons of all faiths be protected by the authorities at all times, and any interference with this constitutional right be taken seriously,” he added.
On December 2, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Parliament that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had closed the books on the controversial Taman Medan church protest without ordering any action against those involved,
He, however, gave his assurance that the ministry takes criminal cases seriously, especially incidents that could affect the country’s peace and harmony.
About 40 people protested in front of a newly set up Community of Praise church at Metro Square in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya on April 20, led by several Umno leaders along with Datuk Abdullah Abu Bakar, who is the brother of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who claimed he acted as a mediator to calm the protesters down.
On May 28, Ahmad Zahid said the group of protesters are only being investigated for intrusion, despite his initial claim that the Sedition Act would be used against them.
On June 22, news portal Malaysiakini reported that initial investigation papers were returned to the police for “further clarification”.
