IPOH, April 25 — The man suspected of defacing a Hindu temple here was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, authorities said today.
Perak Health, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs, National Integration and New Village Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the 29-year-old suspect, who was arrested yesterday, had been treated for his condition before the incident.
However, Dr Mah said it was unknown how long the suspect had been suffering from the illness that is characterised by episodes of elation that are countered by periods of depression.
“The suspect had been suffering from mental problems before this, and he had been receiving treatment for bipolar disorder at a private hospital.
“After his arrest he was brought to Hospital Bahagia in Tanjung Rambutan and he is still there for observation at the moment.”
Dr Mah also said the state government strongly denounced the suspect’s actions, adding he was deeply saddened and angered by what he called “an irresponsible act”.
The man allegedly entered the Sree Muneeswarar Amman temple along Jalan Hospital (now known as Jalan Raja Ashman Shah) here at around 5pm on Sunday armed with a machete and an iron rod.
He allegedly destroyed nine idols of Hindu deities with his weapons, and scattered prayer items such as sacred ash on the floor.
The suspect then sped away in a Proton Iriz before crashing into a bus stop along Jalan Ghazali Jawi after driving against traffic and was arrested shortly after.
According to Dr Mah, the suspect had been employed by the Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun for five days before handing in a 24-hour notice of resignation on April 22 — two days before the incident.
He said there was no issue with employing someone with bipolar disorder, provided that the person concerned was receiving treatment for the condition.
Dr Mah also said the state government will allocate RM30,000 to help repair the temple.
Earlier, Perak police chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the desecration was not linked to Islamic State (IS), as police found no evidence to link the incident with the militant group.
There had been speculation that the suspect was linked to the group, as two flags with Arabic script were found in his car.
When asked about the flags, Abdul Rahim reiterated that the case should be not linked to IS, but declined to say if the items were related to the group.
Abdul Rahim said the suspect would be investigated under Section 298(a) of the Penal Code for causing religious unrest.
He warned the public to stop manipulating the issue as it could threaten the peace, safety and prosperity of the state.
Abdul Rahim said the suspect, who had no prior criminal record, will be remanded later.
