THE Home Ministry has issued a final warning letter to the Falun Gong sect in the country, ordering it to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs or face the consequences.

Sin Chew Daily, in an interview with Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung, reported that the ministry had been monitoring the sect’s website and observed that the sect here wanted to use Malaysia as a launching pad to go against the Chinese Government.

“Their news on the website stating that the organisation had received approval from the Registrar of Societies are also false,” he said.

He warned that if the situation persisted, police would have no choice but to take action against them.

He added that the ministry had been very sympathetic and understanding towards the sect in Malaysia.

“If the sect is solely about learning kung fu, we will allow them to continue but their website showed that they are trying to get involved in the Chinese Government’s politics,” he added.

Chor stressed that the Government’s stand was very clear – it would not interfere in the internal politics of other governments nor would it allow organisations in the country to do so.

The ministry also warned the public against letting off Kong Min lanterns during the coming Chinese New Year celebration.

The daily said that those caught letting off the lantern would be detained and severely dealt with under the law.

The daily also quoted the police as warning the people against gambling in groups during Chinese New Year.

China Press, in its front-page, quoted Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik as saying that the proposed merger between the party and the MCA would not materialise before the coming general election.

He said the media should help both parties make the merger a reality and not raise unnecessary questions which could jeopardise it.

Nanyang Siang Pau quoted Dr Lim as saying that the party and the MCA would not face any problems in the allocation of seats for the coming general elections due to its spirit of co-operation.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/1/19/nation/7138305&sec=nation ec=nation