Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Keningau does not blame the suspect who vandalised the church by desecrating the crucifix and several religious icons on Thursday (July 7), but instead forgives him.

Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong said forgiveness is part of Christian teachings, and it was better to pray for the suspect for his well-being and for the recovery of his mental health, rather than to punish.

He said this during a live virtual press conference on Friday (July 8), in response to speculation and accusations from the public who condemned the act, calling the suspect crazy, mentally unstable, and some even blaming extremism for it.

The damaging of the crucifix is particularly hurtful, as it is central to the Christian faith. Likewise, religious icons are points of reference to various aspects of the faith.

Bishop Piong said they are also not asking for any payments for damages, or sogit (native fines) from the family.

“Instead, we have decided to hold a special mass this July 17 to ask for forgiveness from God for our own negligence and for the lack of care and attention towards our parishioners,” he said.

He will leave the investigations of the case to the police, and said it was up to the authorities to do what they deem appropriate under the law.

Parish Council chairman Nancy Nelly Joneh called on all social media users to stop condemning the suspect or his family, and to refrain from using hurtful words like "crazy" or "mentally unsound" to describe the man.

She urged the public to spread this message so that all can show emotional support to the family, who are also dealing with stress following the incident. “What we can do now is to help the suspect and support the family. Do not add salt to the wound, as this would only cause hurt and conflict in the family,” she said.

She stressed that this matter is not an act of deliberate foul play, nor has it got anything to do with extremism.

Keningau OCPD Deputy Supt Nor Rafidah Kasim said they are still in the midst of getting statements from the suspect and others relevant to the case under Section 295 of the Penal Code for injuring or defiling a place of worship.

DSP Rafidah said the doors and windows of the church were unlocked during the time of the incident.

She said a 34-year-old man, believed to be mentally unstable, was subsequently nabbed. She said the suspect was tested negative for drugs.