Non-Muslim houses of worship guide: Selangor govt open to improvements, avoid political polemics

 

I HAVE taken note of the calls from several parties urging the Selangor state government to review the non-Muslim houses of worship (RIBI) Guidelines which have recently become a subject of public discussion.

For the record, these guidelines are not new. They were introduced and have been in use since 2005 as a reference framework for managing applications and matters related to non-Muslim places of worship in the state of Selangor.

If there is indeed a need to improve or revise these guidelines, such concerns should have been raised and addressed when those making the calls were part of the government and had the authority and responsibility to make decisions.

Editor’s Note: This is in reference to a recent statement by Parti Bersama Malaysia de facto leaders Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who echoed calls for the Selangor state government to review controversial guidelines governing RIBI.

In a statement on June 12 the duo expressed solidarity with Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung who recently raised concerns over the 2025 Planning Guidelines for Non-Islamic Places of Worship which was approved by the state executive council in November 2025.

The question is why is this issue only being raised so vocally now after they are no longer part of the state administration?

We must be fair and honest with the people. If the guidelines are genuinely considered problematic or no longer suitable, then those who previously served in government should also explain why no comprehensive review was undertaken during their tenure when they had the opportunity and capacity to implement changes.

‘Responsible, constructive proposal’

That said, I personally have no objection should the Selangor state government determine that there is a need to review and improve the existing guidelines to ensure they remain relevant to current circumstances and evolving needs.

Any policy or guideline that has been in place for a long period should be periodically assessed to ensure its continued effectiveness.

I am also confident that under the leadership of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, any proposed amendments or improvements will be carefully examined by taking into account the views of all stakeholders as well as the importance of preserving harmony among the diverse racial and religious communities in the state.

The state government remains open to listening to the views of all parties in order to ensure that interfaith and interethnic harmony continues to be safeguarded.

However, any proposal for improvement must be made responsibly, constructively and not driven solely by political interests.

More importantly, discussions on this matter should be based on facts, the history of the guidelines’ implementation, and the spirit of mutual respect that has long been the foundation of Selangor’s multicultural society.

Such discussions should be conducted in a mature and responsible manner with the aim of strengthening unity and the well-being of the people rather than turning the issue into a political polemic that may create unnecessary tensions. 

Banting MP and Human Resources and Poverty Eradication EXCO Papparaidu Veraman is also the Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Taoist Affairs of Selangor (LIMAS) co-chairman.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia