MB slams MCA rep over 'cow head' protest

The 'cow head' demonstration which stunned the nation was raised during the Selangor state legislative assembly sitting today, with Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim taking a MCA rep to task.

Khalid chided Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Yap Eee Wah for appearing as if he was in the dark as to who organised the demonstration in August.

The menteri besar however refused to name those involved in the demonstration, which made news the world over.

The the proposal to relocate a Hindu temple in Shah Alam saw Muslim residents opposing the move in the demonstration held outside the state secretariat building.

The demonstrators brought along the severed head of a cow, which they kicked and spat on. The cow is considered sacred by Hindus.

Responding to Yap's oral question on what measures have been taken to ensure such an incident does not recur, Khalid said he has met with the parties involved.

The menteri besar said the state government's efforts to restore ties between the races following the incident was however 'impeded' by these parties.

"Sungai Pelek knows who were involved, not in helping to resolve the problem, but rather in worsening the situation," he added when debating the motion on the state budget.

'They were from Umno'

Khalid said the state government took into consideration the local community and gave an assurance concerning the freedom of religion and the right to build places of worship.

"We took these measures so that the people of Selangor understand our efforts to resolve the problem," he added.

Despite this, the menteri besar said the efforts were 'hampered' by certain quarters who do not have the maturity to realise that their actions can leave a negative impact on the people.

Responding to a supplementary question from Yap asking the MB who he was referring to, Khalid said these people were from Umno.

However, he said since those who broke the law have been charged in court, there is no need to debate this issue further.

Khalid pointed out that based on the personal details that were revealed when they were charged, the "data showed that those involved were from Umno."

"But whether they are racists or not, let's give them the chance to state their stand in court," he added.