Najib: We Can't Stop People From Protesting

Since when we have two standards.  The Indian HINDRAF can have their protests.  The Oppositions held their protests and  candlelight virgils.  The Bar Council also have had their protests.

And now when the Muslims want to protest against the High Court's ruling that the Catholic Herald magazine can use the name of 'Allah' the opposition portals like Malaysiakini are making a fuss.

Is Muslims now second class citizens in their country.  This is a very undemocratic and intolerant attitude.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today said that the government cannot stop people from gathering at mosques tomorrow to protest against a court decision which had allowed the Christian publication Herald to use to term 'Allah'.

"We cannot stop them if they want to congregate in mosques," said Najib, when asked if the government was practising double standards in handling demonstrations.
However, he stressed that the gatherings should be confined to the mosque compound and he hoped that it will not spill over to "something more serious".

Speaking to reporters after the national level launch of the 1Malaysia clinic in Kampung Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur, Najib said the authorities are prepared and will take necessary action.

Najib said he hoped that there would be "minimal" protests tomorrow as to not cause tension in the country as he wanted the matter to be resolved through the courts.

"We should take the attitude that the matter should be resolved through the court in an amicable way. We should not raise the tension levels in this country," he said.
Dialogues planned

Najib also brushed off comments by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the controversy cannot be resolved through the courts, as it does not recognise religious sensitivities.

"There are all kinds of views. As I have said, the appeal has gone to the courts, but (the issue) requires us to have dialogue with various groups," he added.

Yesterday Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the government did not prohibit the people from expressing their views on the issue.

However he said that he will not hesitate to take action if the protests "affects security".
Several Muslim-based organisations plan to stage a demonstration tomorrow to protest against the use of the word "Allah" by other religions.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court had yesterday granted the Home Ministry a stay of execution on the Dec 31 High Court ruling allowing the Herald to use the word 'Allah' in its Malay-language edition, pending the hearing of an appeal.