In a joint statement, federal ministers M Kulasegaran, Xavier Jayakumar, Gobind Singh Deo, P Waytha Moorthy and deputy minister R Sivarasa said it was regrettable that the Subang Jaya police had described the incident as a fight between two Indian groups.
They also noted questions over why only a single patrol car from the police force arrived at the scene at 4.15am while the Federal Reserve Unit only arrived at 6am.
“This statement is false and irresponsible. It has created much tension among the Indian community, especially in light of the late and ineffective response by the Subang Jaya police.
“We call upon the inspector-general of police to ensure that a corrective statement is immediately issued to set the facts straight,” they said, adding that the Subang Jaya police should be investigated and disciplinary action taken.
The MPs were referring to a press conference by Selangor police chief Mazlan Mansor this morning which stated that about 50 Malay men had clashed with a group of Indians, based on initial investigations.
However, a screenshot of a statement made by the Subang Jaya district police on Facebook, posted around 5.40am stated that two Indian groups were involved in the scuffle.
Checks showed that the word “Indian” has since been removed from the post, which now states that two groups were involved in the scuffle.
The MPs also called for a full and independent inquiry by the police to determine the mastermind and motive for the incident.
“Those responsible for this violence must be caught and punished. This investigation should be conducted by Bukit Aman and not left to the Subang Jaya police to handle,” they said, adding that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had also been made aware of the incident.
Meanwhile, Selangor police chief Mazlan Mansor said in a press conference that seven men, all in their 30s, had been arrested in connection with the incident. He warned all quarters against taking the law into their own hands.
“The investigation is being conducted aggressively and arrests will be made,” he said according to Bernama, adding that the police probe was over mischief and rioting.
The Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) likewise condemned the incident and called on the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation.
“The MCCBCHST urges calm among all peace-loving Malaysians while allowing the police to carry out their duties professionally,” it said.
Earlier, the police said the scuffle between the devotees of a Hindu temple in USJ 25 and a second group was a misunderstanding which arose from the issue of the temple’s relocation.
In a statement, the police confirmed that an incident had taken place between the two groups at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple near the USJ exit of the Elite highway and USJ 16 and 21.