Political parties and non-governmental organisations called on the people to be calm and stay united in the face of arson attacks on two surau in Johor yesterday.

Below are some excerpts of the views from political leaders and NGOs:

Anwar Ibrahim, PKR de facto leaderNONE

"I strongly condemn the arson attacks against the two surau in Johor, and we in Pakatan Rakyat believe places of worship of any religion should be respected."

He gave a warning to those trying to affect the harmony and raise rifts among the people.

Joint statement by 30 civil society groups

In a joint statement by 30 civil society groups and NGOs, they collectively regarded any attack on any faith in Malaysia as an attack on all faiths in Malaysia.

Among the 30 were the Bar Council, All Women's Action Society (AWAM) and the Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF).

"The attacks are designed to provoke Malaysians into sectarian conflicts," the statement read.

They also called on the people to have faith in peace, freedom and reason.

Idris Ahmad, PAS information chief

"PAS considers the arson amuar surau arson 210110ttacks against surau Silaturrahim and surau Kampung Parit Beting as totally ‘insane'."

The party urged those intending to provoke people by burning the places of worship to stop their absurd behavior.

"We want the police to carry out a thorough investigation of the matter," he added.

Nga Kor Ming, Perak DAP secretary

Perak DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming condemned the arson attacks against places of worship, says such acts are not only dangerous but send the wrong message that the country does not have any form of law.

However, he urged the people to stay calm and not to be emotional over the matter.

"The arson attacks against churches and other places of worship may affect the country's economy and the flow of foreign investments," he added.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST)

MCCBCHST strongly condemned the desecration of two suraus in Muar, Johor.

"We consider any violence on a place of worship and prayer of any religion a sin of the highest order and the perpetrators of such acts must be made to understand that their actions cannot be condoned or accepted in civilised society," it said in a statement.