Malaysia's leaders appeal for calm
January 13, 2010
Political and religious leaders in Malaysia are joining in public pleas for calm after an outburst of violent rioting following a court ruling that allowed the country’s Catholic newspaper to use the word “Allah.” Mahmood Adam, the home minister, condemned the “outrageous incidents,” which he attributed to extremists who seek to undermine the nation’s ethnic and religious harmony. The country’s Catholic bishops said they would meet with government leaders, and cooperate with their efforts “to restore a peaceful environment.” Government officials said that they had arrested one suspect, and were actively investigating 10 incidents involving violence against Christian targets.
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Further information:
- Attacks on Christian churches raise concerns in Malaysia (Washington Post)
- Malaysian bishops praise moderates and urge peace in ‘Allah’ conflict (CNA)
- Malaysia Police Identify Suspect after Church Attacks (Business Week)
- The 'Allah' spat masks ethnic Malays' feelings of insecurity (Financial Times)
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