Do not make issue of race, religion - IGP

Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has warned those making an issue of religious and racial sensitivities.

"I urge all parties, including the media, not to blow this issue out of proportion...it is related to religion and race, and is very sensitive.

"If we all intentionally play up this issue, it will not benefit anyone," he said in a media conference after witnessing a pinning-of-the-rank ceremony and handing-over of duties of the narcotics criminal investigation department (JSJN) director here today.

He was commenting on an incident last Sunday involving a cross at a church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya.

Khalid gave his assurance that all reports on the issue would be investigated without bias, in maintaining law and order.

"I am not worried if action is taken against my elder brother for an offence (if any)...I am very professional in this matter...I do not interfere with investigations carried out by the Selangor police.

"So, do not play up this sentiment, for fear that there will be parties who may act outside the boundaries...this issue is fading off, it is enough," he noted.

Last Sunday, a cross at a church in Taman Medan was removed by a pastor, following requests by a section of the local community.

Khalid's elder brother, who is a community leader in the area was reported to have calmed down a group of people which had gathered to protest against the cross in the church, from becoming aggressive.

In a separate development, Khalid urged the organisers of a 'Protest Against the Goods and Services Tax' rally on May 1, to contact the Dang Wangi police chief to obtain a permit for an agreed location.

"They (the organisers) must cooperate with the police...like the rally in Padang Merbuk, it was a very good example and should be followed," he said.

On April 11, a rally was organised by PAS at Padang Merbok to protest against the GST.

"I hope the location of the rally is agreed upon by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and after getting the permit from DBKL, the police must give their fullest cooperation in ensuring the rally goes on smoothly," he said.

He added that if anything untoward happened, the organiser must be prepared to face the law.

At the ceremony, Johor police chief, Datuk Seri Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff was appointed the new JSJN director in Bukit Aman.

He takes over from Datuk Haris Wong Abdullah who was acting director for five months.

Mohd Mokhtar's position was previously held by Datuk Seri Nor Rashid Ibrahim who has been promoted to Deputy Inspector-General of Police.