An act of vigilantism to demolish an unauthorised temple in Rawang has prompted three government lawmakers to appeal for calm and peace amid heated debates.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, in a joint press conference with Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan, said issues arising from objections to the construction of unauthorised temples should be handled in accordance with legal procedures.
“The purpose of holding this press conference is to appeal to all parties to remain calm and not be emotional when it comes to the heated issues, especially on houses of worship being built without complying with regulations,” he said in Parliament today.
“We also appeal to all Malaysians to continue maintaining the peace and stability that we have.
“Do not allow this issue to divide us. Right now, what we see on social media - one side versus another - is deeply worrying,” he noted.
Yesterday, it was reported that activist Tamim Dahri, who has been at the forefront of campaigning against unauthorised temples, was arrested after demolishing a temple in Rawang.
Lawyer Aidil Khalid claimed that the temple in Taman Rawang Perdana was built on land belonging to Yayasan Kubra.
A trustee of the foundation, Ismail Mina, purportedly sought Tamim’s assistance to clear the structure following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s call to “clean up” places of worship that were erected in violation of the law.
Anwar, who made the call on Feb 9, warned the public last night against taking matters into their own hands regarding unauthorised temples.
Leave it to authorities
Syahredzan said, as responsible elected representatives, they are using their platform to urge Malaysians to preserve the harmony and stability enjoyed by all.
“We are all reminded that we are Malaysians - a multi-racial, multi-religious, and multicultural society.
“This diversity should be the pillar of our strength, not something that divides or separates us,” he added.
Rayer, during the press conference, translated Syahredzan’s message into Tamil.
Additionally, Sany reiterated that any action should be left to local authorities, not individuals.
“If there are places in our areas where we are dissatisfied with the construction of any structure, then report it to the authorities.
“To all our friends out there, we must remain calm. Let us leave it to the relevant agencies to resolve the issues in our respective areas,” he said.
‘Let our strength guide us’
Separately, Selayang MP William Leong said Malaysia’s strength as a nation has always rested on mutual respect, tolerance, and adherence to the law.
“Therefore, we should rely on this strength to guide us in addressing these complex issues.
“We must understand that situations of unregistered house of worship today are mostly shaped by historical circumstances and the complexity of past administrative limitations,” he said in a statement.
“Therefore, issues of this nature, especially those involving land status, must be resolved through proper legal and administrative channels.
“It is neither helpful nor responsible for any party to take unilateral action that does not conform to the law and procedures that have been put in place,” he added. - Mkini
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