PENANG – Social reform movement Aliran has condemned the unruly behaviour of those involved in the cow head demonstration in Shah Alam last Friday.

“It is rather appalling and sad that the followers of Islam, that genuinely preaches peace, compassion, justice and respect for all human beings had resorted to violent and disrespectful behaviour in registering their protest against the relocation of a Hindu temple by the Selangor government soon after their Friday prayer,” its assistant secretary Mustafa K Anuar said.

“Such an unruly behaviour is truly unwarranted and uncalled for especially at a time when our nation is already riddled with heightened political and ethnic sentiments and thoughtless actions deliberately perpetrated by certain quarters intent in driving a wedge between Malaysians of different faiths and ethnicity,” he said in a statement.

Insensitive and disrespectful

According to Mustafa, the street demonstration in Shah Alam - although could be recognised as legitimate in a democracy - should have been sensitive to the feelings of the affected community, ie the Hindus, because religion can be very emotive and combustible if exploited for whatever reasons.

“Indeed, it is totally insensitive and downright disrespectful for the protesters to parade the head of a sacrificed cow knowing full well that the animal is sacred to the Hindu community. In short, this stupid act was sacrilegious to the Hindus.

“It is of paramount importance to remind ourselves that better ethnic and religious understanding and relations can only come about through mutual respect and tolerance and dialogue – never by losing our heads,” he added.

Meanwhile in Jitra, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Mukhriz Mahathir said he was disappointed by the actions of a group of Shah Alam residents in parading the head of cow when holding a protest demonstration.

Mukhriz, who is also the MP for Jerlun, said such extreme actions could cause unease among the people and that it was better for problems to be resolved through discussions.

Don't upset racial harmony

"I hope everyone will remain calm and not do anything that can upset racial harmony in Malaysia, he was quoted by Bernama as saying.

Last Friday, some 50 people claiming to be residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam paraded the head of a cow when protesting against a planned relocation of a Hindu temple in that area.

On another matter, Mukhriz said he was also disappointed with the absence of the spirit of Merdeka ahead of the 52nd National Day celebrations on Monday.

He said the fasting month of Ramadan should not be used as an excuse not to show the patriotic spirit.