This comes on the back of riots which took place at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya earlier this week.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Muhyiddin (PH-Pagoh) said the incident was a criminal act arising from a dispute between One City Development Sdn Bhd and the temple committee concerning ownership of the land.
“It is unfortunate that the acts of certain quarters in hiring a group of Malays to trespass and empty the temple on the night of the incident has angered Hindu devotees.
“As a result of this irresponsible and criminal act, there is now anxiety and suspicion in our multiracial and multi-religious community,” he said.
Muhyiddin also said racially charged statements by certain quarters had only made the situation worse.
“I urge all quarters to think and act rationally in handling this issue. Malaysians have had peace and harmony all this while. Do not let one isolated incident jeopardise the unity and harmony we have attained. Do not let one apple spoil the whole barrel,” he said.
Muhyiddin also spoke of the chronology of events that occurred, from the time a member of the public called to inform the authorities of riots at the temple at 2.40am on Monday, to the action taken so far against the perpetrators.
He told the lower house that a special task force had been set up to investigate the incident, led by Criminal Investigation Department director Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd.
“To date, a total of 34 people have had their statements recorded. Police also seized several items at the scene, such as 21 cars and six motorcycles which were burnt, a knife and two machetes, as well as seven pairs of shoes and three vests.
“Police have also arrested 30 individuals comprising 24 Malays, two Indian Muslims, three Indians, and a Chinese.
“All have since been remanded,” he said.
Muhyiddin said several investigation papers had also been opened, with the offences being probed under various provisions of the law.
“We welcome cooperation from the public to continuously channel information to us, which will help in our investigations.
“We are looking into news which has gone viral to help in our investigations, as well as verifying facts which have been put forward,” he added.