Rightists cry foul over sealing of private religious school: “The law is meant for Malay Muslims only”

 

SUCH is the instantaneous reaction by irate netizens without delving into reasons behind the sealing of a private Islamic primary school operating in Taman Awani Bangi by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) for operating without a license.

Following complaints from local residents, it was found that this premise was operating without a license from the MPKj, the Fire Department and the District Education Office, according to community site Pekan Bangi in a Facebook post.

“This premise was also compounded in 2025 but no follow-up action was taken by the owner,” explained Pekan Bangi

Discussions will be made by the (MPKj) council members with the school operator to get the best solution for all parties, especially to ensure that the education of pupil of the school is not affected.

Hopefully this incident will serve as an example to all operators/owners of private schools, nurseries and tuition centres to register their respective premises according to the laws set by the government.

Fair enough reasoning at least on the surface given sealing of the Islamic school by the authorities somehow smacks double standards with one member of the Sepakat Membela Agama, Bangsa & Tanah Air FB group bluntly implying, “Why not be this strict on kuil haram (illegal temples)?

Interestingly, the group member has picked up Pekan Bangi’s account of MPKj’s action but stopped short of furnishing the entire detail, notably the very fact that the school operator “was operating without a license”.

Obviously, such piecemeal information sharing triggered many Muslims and especially so the rightist fraternity who are still sore with their claim of the authorities having turned a blind eye to the proliferation of illegal temples nationwide.

“If only they were this strict about the kuil haram. More so, illegal temples can get land and compensation,” rued one commenter with reaction on the line of “they’re brave with Malay Muslims only” and “the law is only meant for Malay Muslims” started to trickle in.

One commenter who is oblivious to the fact that “complaints from local residents” has prompted MPKj to act against the said school even expressed surprise that action is taken against a seemingly law-complying institution which is neither trespassing, erected illegal structures nor obstructing traffic.

Even on the Pekan Bangi post which detailed out reasons behind the MPKj action, some netizens are adamant that “the law only applies to Malay Muslim only”.

“Other construction without a permit on land not legally owned is allowed to operate for years. When there’re complaints, a notice to vacate will be issued. Then no action,” lamented a commenter.

If the school can be impounded so easily and swiftly, why can’t a temple or shrine be sealed, too? What distinguishes the two? A structure that is built and operated illegally and doesn’t follow the law?

If we aspire to live in peace and harmony, then law enforcement should be for all races and religions. Only then can we live in harmony.

Interestingly, the school did receive favourably backing from some parent who have current and previous dealings with the school as they feedback that their children “have picked up a lot of religious knowledge while its administration is also organised with dedicated teachers/ustazah”.

“All my children attended the school with my fourth kid having just entered. So far in terms of safety, studies and other related matters, thank God, there’ve been no problems. Moreover, my children have shown excellent personality and academic achievement,” defended one parent. –  Focus Malaysia