According to an article in Harakahdaily.net, the group, led by Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria, met the management of the Muneeswarar Amman temple in Jalan Hospital, Ipoh, yesterday.

The aim of the meeting was to seek clarification over the vandalism and show that they empathised, despite the differences in religion and culture.

“Islam teaches its followers to respect other religions, and to never insult others’ faith.

“The vandalism incident should not be allowed to be blown up into a crisis, which can jeopardise the harmony between the races. We leave it to the authorities to settle the case and take appropriate action against the culprit,” Razman was quoted as saying.

“PAS respects other religions and Islam does not allow the desecration of houses of worship under any circumstances, even during war.”

Also present at the temple on behalf of PAS were the deputy commissioner Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib and several other senior state party leaders.

The incident in question occurred on April 24 when a man, believed to be mentally unstable, entered the temple and started smashing idols.

He fled the scene but was apprehended later after he crashed his car not far from the temple.

The suspect, a former doctor, is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation.