GEORGE TOWN: Some 30 members from several non-governmental organisations interrupted a Freemason international conference here today.
They protested with banners and placards and rallied towards the premises at a beachfront hotel in Batu Ferringhi here about 3pm.
Police however intervened in the rally and accompanied their leaders who marched into the foyer to talk to the organisers about 3.15pm. A group of police from the light strike force were stationed to ensure public order.
Chanting anti Freemason slogans, the group led by Gerakan Merah and Jaringan Malayu Malaysia walked out from the premises shortly to claim they had halted the conference.
Speaking to reporters, JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah said the Muslims would continue to object against any gathering perceived to have an agenda against Islam.
"The Freemasons have a track record of going against the religion. We will not allow anyone to hold any conference that is anti Islam.
"We have talked to a delegate and he had agreed verbally to suspend the conference," Azwanddin said.
He also took the state government to task for allegedly funding the conference and demanded Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to come clean about the allegation.
Despite the angry atmosphere under heavy police escort, the demonstrators dispersed at about 3.45pm without confronting with Freemason senior members.
Also present were Gerakan Merah president Mohd Ali Baharom, also known as Ali Tinju, the group's vice-president Major (R) Razali Zakaria as well as Penang Perkasa youth chief Mohd Rizuad Mohd Azuddin. The trio took turns to condemn the Freemason gathering and vowed to repeat the protest if necessary.
However, a check by the New Straits Times with the International Scottish Masonic Conference's event organising chairman Neoh Ho Keat revealed that the conference had not been called off.
Neoh told the New Straits Times at the entrance that the event which started yesterday would wrap up tomorrow as scheduled.
"Our conference proceeds. There is nothing to talk with the NGO members as we have done nothing against the Islamic religion.
"Their presence has not deterred us from continuing with our programmes," he said.
Neoh from Kuala Lumpur said some 300 delegates were present and another batch of 300 would arrive for the event's closing dinner tomorrow.
The three-day conference is held to celebrate District Grand Lodge of the Middle East's centenary celebration.