Selangor allocates RM6 million for non-Muslim houses of worship in 2016

Non-Muslim places of worship in Selangor will receive funding to the tune of RM6 million next year, the menteri besar says. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 20, 2015.

Selangor will retain its allocation for non-Muslim places of worship at RM6 million for 2016, after a two-fold increase this year, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said.

He said since he took office in September 2014, the allocation had increased from RM3 million to RM6 million this year.

In a Christmas message delivered at the state’s Christmas celebrations in Klang yesterday, he said while Islam was the official religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the rights of others to practise and worship their religion would be defended and protected.

“This administration is based on justice and moderation. Let us give priority to the matters that will contribute positively to mutual peace and harmony. And let us shun those things that cause suspicion, intolerance and hostility.

“I am happy to announce that for 2016, the same amount has been maintained.”

He added that RM200,000 to build an office and chapel for the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) on Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, has also been approved.

“As we approach Christmas, let us be reminded that while it is a season for receiving, it is more importantly a time for giving.

“As we are a multiracial and multi-religious society, Christmas, like the other religious celebrations, is a special time to promote better mutual understanding.

“Non-Christians should make it a point to visit Christian friends. Take this opportunity to think of the common ground we have rather than differences.

“There is no place for extreme racial or religious sentiments in Selangor,” Azmin said in his speech.

Selangor in recent years has seen some religious tension over the raid of a dinner event at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) in 2011 by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), and another Jais raid of the Bible Society of Malaysia bookstore in Damansara Utama, when some 300 copies of Bahasa Malaysia and Iban Bibles with the word “Allah” were seized.

Earlier this year, a church in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, removed a cross from its building facade after being harassed by protesters who alleged that the Christian symbol was “challenging Islam” in a predominantly Malay neighbourhood.

- TMI