> Cow head - Hisham issues stern warning

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today issued a stern warning to any group which resorted to actions that could jeopardise public order and national security.

He was referring to the demonstration by residents on Friday against the building of a Hindu temple in Section 23, Shah Alam.

He stressed that in issues involving race and religion, the government would not bow to pressure and would not hesitate to act against those who refused to heed to such a warning.

"If such incidents are not curbed, they could result in prolonged communal tension and conflict, and I see this (temple) issue as a very sensitive issue," he said in a statement Sunday.

Hishammuddin said although there were calls for him to invoke the Internal Security Act in addressing the issue, the Act would only be used as a last resort or in a situation which could harm national security.

"I also wish to state that there are other laws that can be used in such a case," he added.

On postings in the Internet that incited the Indians, he said the police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Attorney-General were taking action as agreed by him together with Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

On the claim by Shah Alam member of parliament Khalid Samad that the police were colluding with Umno over the (temple) issue, Hishammuddin said it was a very serious allegation and aimed at discrediting the police force - Bernama/Mysinchew.