'Illegal' houses of worship: Selangor exco reminds conflict not Islamic way

 

A Selangor exco member has stressed that land encroachment issues involving non-Muslim houses of worship must be resolved via a harmonious and prudent approach.

According to Selangor Islamic affairs and cultural innovation committee chairperson Fahmi Ngah, such matters should not be dealt with through confrontation, which would only further aggravate the situation.

He added that although existing laws allow for swift executive action, the historical context of a particular area must be taken into account to preserve the stability of a multiracial society.

“Islam’s approach is not one of conflict or confrontation," he told reporters recently.

“In fact, the prophet’s dakwah was largely achieved through good character and conduct, rather than through warfare or excessive force.

“If Muslims wish to present Islam as the truth, then its followers must display good qualities so that the message can be more openly accepted by other communities," he added.

Relocation requires time

The Seri Setia assemblyperson was asked to comment on specific and occasionally controversial cases of non-Muslim houses of worship built on government and private land, with certain quarters urging the state government to be more expedient in relocating such premises.

One such case involved a replacement site for a temple in PJS 4, Petaling Jaya, with the site alleged to have encroached on an Islamic burial ground and was said to have originally been zoned for the construction of a surau.

However, checks with the Petaling Land Office and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) confirmed that the replacement site is zoned as a non-Muslim house of worship.

Fahmi said the state government chose to give the temple time to relocate, as there is likely no other urgent need for the land.

“During that period, the house of worship concerned can apply for a lawful site from the state government so that they can practise their respective religions in a more harmonious and lawful environment.

“Most of the time, the encroachers themselves admit they are in the wrong and want to leave. But, they are sometimes pressured by extreme advice questioning why they did not leave earlier or why they were not simply punished,” he added.

No threat to Islam

Fahmi stressed that the state administration's approach is in line with Selangor’s long history of facing enforcement dilemmas involving old temples built on government reserve land or private land without permits.

“The openness and tolerance shown by the state government in no way undermines the position of Islam as the official religion. Instead, it strengthens the image of Islam as friendly and willing to engage.

“It is not a threat to Islam. I think it is time for Islam to show a face that is approachable and friendly, ready to interact with other religions without feeling threatened,” he said. - Mkini