KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa has strongly condemned the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
He said any act of trespassing into or destroying a house of worship not only incited anger but also caused hatred among religions. He said Islam rejected all forms of violence involving the public.
“My condolences to all the victims and families of the victims,” he said in a statement today.
A series of explosions ripped through several places in Sri Lanka, including Kochikade Church, Katuwapitiya Church, Shangri-La Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel and St Barnabas Church in Batticaloa in Colombo at 8.45 am local time, killing up to 290 people and injuring hundreds more.
Wisma Putra said no Malaysian casualties were reported in the attacks.
Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang described the attacks as deplorable acts which were against Islam.
He said Islam taught its followers to respect the rights of adherents of other faiths and forbade the destruction of houses of worship, even in war.
“Pas stresses that religious tolerance is very important to create harmony in the country, and Pas expresses its solidarity with Sri Lanka (in efforts) to restore peace after facing these most despicable attacks,” he said in a statement.
In KOTA BARU, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob also condemned the attacks, saying Islam and other religions advocated peace and justice and strongly rejected violence and extremism in any form.
“These acts are seen as attempts to create panic and disrupt public order and can spark religious conflicts and disputes,” he said in a statement.
“We hope President Maithripala Sirisena and the Sri Lankan government will carry out comprehensive investigations and bring the culprits to justice.
“We also hope the Sri Lankan people will remain united and strong in facing this tragic situation,” he added.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) categorically condemned the acts of terror
and violence perpetrated against the Easter Sunday church congregations and hotel
guests.
CFM chairman Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim in a statement said Christians in Malaysia were filled with horror, shock and dismay that on this most Holy Day such despicable acts were contemplated and perpetrated on the innocent citizens of Sri Lanka and foreign nationals.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones through such vile acts of inhumanity and stand alongside them in their grief and pain.
“All churches are urged to uphold them and all those who have been injured in prayer and to render such
support and help as they are able to provide,” he said.-Bernama