Cross issue: Church protesters can be charged under Sedition Act - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has urged the police to conduct an investigation over the protests by a group of residents on the installation of the symbol of the cross outside the shophouse used as a church in the Taman Medan area, Petaling Jaya recently.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Najib said that the group which held a protest outside a shop lot which was used as a church are found to have violated the current laws, action can be taken under the Sedition Act or any existing laws.

"If they are found to have violated the country's law, action will be taken under the Sedition Act or other existing laws," said Najib.

The Sedition Act aims to ensure peace and racial harmony in the country and it protects all religions and races, he added.

"People must always comply with the national laws and respect all religions as enshrined in the constitution.

"In addition, we should exercise tolerance and mutual respect between people of different religions," said Najib.

He also said the cabinet discussed the matter and agreed that the group should discuss with the relevant parties should it cause any anxiety in a multi-cultural society.

Najib added, the Selangor state government have the authority on the status of the shop lot - if it can be used as a place of worship or was given permission to operate.

PKR assemblyman, Haniza Talha on Monday was quoted saying that the protest in Taman Medan over the cross sign on a church building was politically motivated.