FMT:
Cops warn against provocation in ‘azan’ issue
Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin says the public should refrain from sensationalising or speculating on the issue or matters involving religious sensitivities.
Surau Tri Pinnacle Qaryah Masjid Karwa chairman Nasir Majid shaking hands with Tri Pinnacle JMB chairman Alex Low at a press conference yesterday. Looking on is deputy chief minister Zakiyuddin Rahman (in yellow).
GEORGE TOWN: Penang police will take strict action against acts of provocation regarding the issue of the “azan”, or the Muslim call to prayer, at an apartment complex in Tanjong Tokong here.
Stating that the issue had been resolved, Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin warned parties against sensationalising or speculating on it or matters involving religious sensitivities.
“There is no longer any conflict between the surau and the joint management body (JMB) of the apartment complex in relation to the case,” he said.
“In fact, deputy chief minister Zakiyuddin Rahman, who is also president of the Penang Islamic religious council (MAINPP), went to the ground to mediate and resolve the confusion that arose due to the issue.”
He added that certain posts on social media platforms, such as TikTok, on the issue were untrue and could be racially sensitive.
“As the Penang chief of police, I would like to emphasise that we will not hesitate to take action against any party that tries to make matters viral on any social media platform by instigating and provoking anger with regard to this case,” he said.
Khaw said Penang police had received 21 reports from various parties regarding the case, adding that investigations were being conducted by Bukit Aman.
Earlier, a video regarding a dialogue session between the JMB of the apartment complex and residents over several issues, including the call to prayer at its surau, went viral on social media.
However, the JMB has since apologised for the controversy.
Tri Pinnacle JMB chairman Alex Low said that the management had no intention of banning the call to prayer at the surau as claimed in some social media posts.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang police will take strict action against acts of provocation regarding the issue of the “azan”, or the Muslim call to prayer, at an apartment complex in Tanjong Tokong here.
Stating that the issue had been resolved, Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin warned parties against sensationalising or speculating on it or matters involving religious sensitivities.
“There is no longer any conflict between the surau and the joint management body (JMB) of the apartment complex in relation to the case,” he said.
“In fact, deputy chief minister Zakiyuddin Rahman, who is also president of the Penang Islamic religious council (MAINPP), went to the ground to mediate and resolve the confusion that arose due to the issue.”
He added that certain posts on social media platforms, such as TikTok, on the issue were untrue and could be racially sensitive.
“As the Penang chief of police, I would like to emphasise that we will not hesitate to take action against any party that tries to make matters viral on any social media platform by instigating and provoking anger with regard to this case,” he said.
Khaw said Penang police had received 21 reports from various parties regarding the case, adding that investigations were being conducted by Bukit Aman.
Earlier, a video regarding a dialogue session between the JMB of the apartment complex and residents over several issues, including the call to prayer at its surau, went viral on social media.
However, the JMB has since apologised for the controversy.
Tri Pinnacle JMB chairman Alex Low said that the management had no intention of banning the call to prayer at the surau as claimed in some social media posts.
The Race and Religion Urban Legend that "DAP Government will ban Azan calls" has been floating around ever since May 9 2008, the morning that the Pakatan Government took over Penang.
ReplyDeleteIts a reliable old trope , to be mined for political capital whenever necessary.
The fact is, it has never happened, and will not happen.
What is true is the State Religious department has restricted external loudspeakers only for Azan call use, and may not be used to broadcast Mosque sermons , which can often run for a long time.
The Race and Religion mob has regularly distorted this into "Azan has been banned in Penang" for their purposes.