Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today strongly condemned the firebomb attacks at three churches in the Klang Valley, saying that these attacks were unIslamic.

"These are despicable acts. Islam clearly urges everyone to respect all places of worships," he said in a statement.

NONE He said that it was fortunate that the attacks on three churches in the past 12 hours had not caused any human losses.

"I urge everyone to remain calm and not to be involved in any acts of hatred," he said.

He also expressed confidence that any outstanding conflicts can be solved amicably.

Anwar was referring to the acts of arson on three churches - the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati, the Assumption Church in Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya and Life Chapel, also in Petaling Jaya.

The police have started the investigations on the matter while national leaders have called for wise heads to prevail.

Of the three churches, the Metro Tabernacle church suffered the biggest damage, estimated to be between RM1.5 million to RM2 million. The Molotov cocktails hurled at the other two churches had not exploded on impact.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks but it is widely believed that the attacks were caused by uneasiness over a high court ruling which allowed a Catholic publication to use the term "Allah".

Want a thorough police probe

Also commenting on the matter was PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who said that the party was appalled and saddened by the attacks.

NONE "We strongly condemn the irresponsible and reprehensible acts of violence, which could cause irreparable harm to harmonious relations in our country.

"Especially since the dispute about the use of the term "Allah" by non-Muslims is a matter of religious concern, we should all heed the religious teachings of practising tolerance and respect toward all other religions," she said in a statement.

She also urged all religious and political leaders to act responsibly and not to score points at the expense of another community.

"Whilst we respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression, we believe that all parties concerned ought to exercise these freedoms responsibly and not use them to fuel religious or racial animosity, or hurt any community," said Wan Azizah, who is also Anwar's wife.

NONE In another development, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim urged the police to investigate the matter in a professional and transparent manner so that the culprits are caught and charged in court.

"We also hope the police will increase their patrols to protect churches from being attacked again," he said in a statement.

He earlier today visited the Assumption Church in Jalan Templer and will be inspecting the damages at the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati later today.