PKR: Ordering non-Muslims to remove prayer altars 'rude'

A PKR Perlis assemblyperson has described the state government's decision to bar non-Muslims from placing their prayer altars along walkways of their flats as “rude”.

“The Perlis government should not have handled this matter by threatening to cancel the tenancy contract. Instead this should have been addressed by a dialogue and discussion with the residents,” Indera Kayangan assemblyman Chan Ming Kai told Malaysiakini today.

Chan said the right to practise religion is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution, and Program Perumahan Rakyat (People’s Housing Programme) is supposed to provide housing and better living for the poor.

“A house is not just for living but is a personal space, it should include access to food, work, community, security, and of course, the freedom to practise religion,” Chan asserted.

“If Astro and air-conditioning units can be installed, no reason why praying boards can be an issue when they really do not block the corridor,” he added.

“In fact, most of the Astro and air-conditioning units, clothes hangers and flower pots were put up without approval but residents never received notice for such things,” he stressed.

Chan said different religions express their faith differently.

The prayer boards, which are put outside the homes to pray to the “God of Sky (Ti Gong)” can’t be simply moved indoors just as Muslims cannot be asked to change the direction of their Kiblat.

Official letter

Chan said an official letter has been submitted to the palace, as the Raja of Perlis oversees religious matters in the state.

Last week, several residents at the Seri Sena flat in Kangar received notices to remove their altars.

The letter was issued on Jan 12 by Azimah Nayan, the state assistant secretary, from the state housing department to the residents of the flats which comprise 480 units (two blocks).

According to the letter, the residents in question have violated the terms of their rental agreement, as they should have sought approvals before placing their prayer boards along the corridors.

The letter also noted that the residents face termination of their lease if they failed to remove the boards within a week.

Also irked by the matter was MCA state chairman Chua Tee Yong, who was quoted in The Star as saying:

“We feel that any directive or measures taken by the administrative body must take into account the people’s feelings and society’s perception.

“We regret that such a controversy has happened when the Lunar New Year celebration is just around the corner.”

The parties said they supported any move to clean up the corridors and there should be no issue as long as the size and height of the altars are reasonable. -Mkini