BAN PROTESTS IN PLACES OF WORSHIP

I refer to the photograph showing Dato
Seri Najib Razak ,launching a programme to supply treated water
dispensers to the Al- Taqwa Mosque in Permas Jaya (NST 27 April)
I think the advice given by the Deputy
Prime Minister, that mosques should become the center of activities
for communities , and urged the people not to misuse mosques by sowing
hatred among the people against the government is timely, in view of
the fact that some mosques in the past and up to the 8th March
election have been used by not only the immams to lambaste
individuals and the government through their sermons, but also by
others who took the opportunity to hold protests in the mosques
compound, after the congregational Friday prayers
This unhealthy trend cause traffic jams
and hardships to the people living in the surrounding areas of the
mosques.In a demonstration insults might be uttered and inappropriate
behaviour might affect worshippers . Mosques belong to the Creator
and it is illogical to turn them into a place of protests.
Protesters usually chose mosque and other
places of worship as their venues for they can assemble swiftly
without police intervention as protests are illegal without police
permit. However not all the worshippers belong to the opposition
groups and it is feared that trouble might erupt and turn into a riot
resulting in death. This is happening in India, Pakistan, Afganistan
Iraq and many other Muslim countries.
I suggest that the government passed a law
that criminalises holding of protests and demonstration in places of
worship in order to safeguard the true worshippers and the sanctity
of places of worship.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA