ABIM Calls For Fair, Prudent enforcement Against Illegal Places Of Worship

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Enforcement action by local authorities (PBT) against places of worship built on illegal land must be carried out fairly, consistently, with integrity and prudence, in line with Malaysia’s standing as a nation governed by the rule of law.

Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said firm enforcement was necessary to restore administrative discipline, rebuild public confidence in institutions and prevent the manipulation of racial and religious sentiments.

He said to ensure lawful and harmonious solutions, ABIM proposes firm but phased enforcement against new structures that clearly violate the law, carried out in a measured manner.

“ABIM also proposes conditional regularisation for older places of worship built due to systemic shortcomings, including official registration, compliance with safety requirements and transparent, lawful resolution of land status.

“The allocation of land reserves for places of worship of various faiths in new developments should also be considered to prevent a recurrence of similar issues and to safeguard harmony in a multi-religious society,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Fahmi also proposed the establishment of a special monitoring committee on places of worship in every state, involving local authorities, land offices, state religious agencies and recognised non-Muslim religious bodies, to monitor and resolve issues before they escalate.

He welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that Malaysia is governed by the rule of law and that all parties must comply with legal requirements, including in matters involving places of worship built on unauthorised land.

Ahmad Fahmi said issues of legal compliance should not be used to stigmatise any community and urged all parties to refrain from hate speech, racial insults and religious provocation.

“ABIM believes Malaysia remains strong because of its diversity, managed fairly, lawfully and with civility, in line with the Federal Constitution and the spirit of national unity,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar was reported as saying the government would not allow any place of worship to be built illegally or in breach of regulations.

-- BERNAMA