Sky Kingdom becomes Ash Kingdom

Sky Kingdom Torched

Sky Kingdom structures torched

The Star News Update By K. SUTHAKAR KUALA TERENGGANU:

Some 30 unknown people went on a rampage torching structures and smashing vehicles and house windows within Ayah Pin's Sky Kingdom commune in Jerteh at 5am today. The mob also set fire to Ayah Pin's Pajero and smashed four other vehicles parked inside the area. The sect leader Ariffin Mohamad, 65, better known as Ayah Pin, left the commune last night.

According to witnesses members of the mob were armed with parangs, sticks and plastic bags believed to contain petrol. "They smashed our house windows but the people were not harmed. "They told us not to get involved and we didn't want to confront them," said a follower of Ayah Pin. Police have cordoned off the area, while the Federal Reserve Unit personnel arrived at the site at 9.30am to control some 100 protesters gathered there.

Are we turning into a terrorist nation?

In another article, it was reported that the State Government of Trengganu is leaving it to the Federal Government to handle the Sky Kingdom sect because it has grown into an international outfit.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said sect leader Ariffin Mohamad, popularly known as "Ayah Pin", had managed to attract foreigners, which necessitated Federal Government intervention.

"It is not a small problem which can be handled by the State. His sect has grown internationally and it is a national-level problem.“ Idris said the State Government would not interfere with any decision taken by the Federal Government on Ariffin’s activities.

The Menteri Besar said this when asked to comment on a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Abdullah Md Zin urging authorities to act immediately to nab the 65-year-old Ariffin and check his activities. Idris said information gathered by several state and federal agencies showed the cult had attracted a large number of followers from other countries. He said action must be taken against Ariffin to prevent more people from being influenced by his teachings. He criticised the previous Pas-led State Government for failing to take any action against Ariffin, as structures inside the sect’s compound at Kampung Batu 13, Hulu Besut, were built three years ago.