A new group that promotes moderation and good governance has joined the chorus of condemnation of the Pahang Islamic authorities' ban on non-Muslim religious materials in hotels, saying that the move is against freedom of choice.
The non-governmental organisation, Centre For A Better Tomorrow (Cenbet), which was set up this month, said the state's Islamic and Malay Customs Council's (Muip) has no jurisdiction over non-Muslims and as such, its "directive" which prohibits the placement of Bibles and other non-Muslim religious materials has no legal compulsion against the hotels.
"It is the freedom of choice of the hotels to supply such materials in its rooms. Conversely, it is the freedom of choice of anyone not to stay in such hotels if they disagree with the hotel policy," said its co-presidents Lim Chee Wee and Gan Ping Sieu in a statement today.
Lim was a former Bar Council president while Gan was the ex-deputy Youth and Sports minister and former MCA vice-president. Both are lawyers, with Gan holding a diploma in Shariah law.
Both Lim and Gan said the availability of the Bible is not tantamount to proselytisation.
"A Muslim may choose to disregard the availability of non-Islamic holy books in hotel rooms, just as many followers of other faiths would not be unduly uncomfortable with the availability of the Holy Quran in hotels," they said.
The duo said Malaysia runs the risk of being ridiculed by the international community as being intolerant and fanatical if such a ban was allowed.
"If such directive is implemented, there are fears that holy books of other religions would eventually be kept out of sight, including those kept in libraries.
"There would also be worries over whether Maip has plans to further impose its rigid interpretation of Pahang’s religious laws in other aspects in the state.
"This includes the fate of popular international holiday destination, Genting Highlands which is located in the state," they said in referring to the popular hilltop resort which also houses a casino.
Lim and Gan added Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is known as a moderate leader and the actions of bodies such as Maip are inconsistent with the values promoted by the premier.
"If the directive is not retracted, it would only be disservice to Islam as a religion of wasatiyyah, or moderation, and inclusiveness."
National news agency Bernama reported that Muip had sent a letter to 147 hotels across the state since March 6, and those who defied the directive faced legal action.
The letter was issued under the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Among Muslims Enactment 1989, in line with Article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution.
Muip deputy president Datuk Seri Wan Abdul Wahid Wan Hassan reportedly said the placement of the materials in the hotel rooms could be regarded as an act of spreading other religious beliefs to Muslims.
If convicted, those involved could be fine up to RM5,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.
Meanwhile, in a statement earlier today, DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok said Muip had acted beyond its jurisdiction and urged Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob to immediately intervene and get Muip to revoke its directive to the hotel operators.
Describing Muip's ban as "extreme" and "unacceptable", Kok said this will again put Malaysia in the international media for the wrong reasons.
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