NIBONG TEBAL, Jan 28 — Umno Youth yesterday openly backed Christians in the state, saying it did not believe they were involved in the controversial hanging of the “Allah is Great” banners in church compounds on Sunday.
Youth chief Rafizal Abdul Rahim said some unscrupulous people, who want to incite people’s feelings, are trying to create tension among Muslims and Christians in the state by resorting to provocative actions.
"It is the act of a small group and Penang Umno Youth strongly condemns such acts,” said Rafizal.”They are out to stoke ill feelings and to create tension among the people.
"Let it be known that Penang Umno Youth was not involved in the incident, and we strongly urge people to stop politicising the issue.
"The group also urged people to stay calm and not jump to conclusions.”We hope they will not fall prey to those out to create unnecessary tension and religious hatred.
"Let’s not be provoked by irresponsible people.”
Five churches in the state displayed banners with the words “Allah is Great” and “Jesus is the Son of Allah” at their entrances.
Rafizal also condemned the act by two unknown motorcyclists who hurled Molotov cocktails at the Church of the Assumption in Lebuh Farquhar early yesterday morning.
He said the state Umno Youth had lodged police reports on the matter.Rafizal said the state government, especially the state Islamic Religious Affairs Council under state exco member Abdul Malik Kassim, should help resolve the matter.
