Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Emphasizes Rule of Law in Religious Matters
– Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has underscored the importance of adhering to the law in all matters pertaining to houses of worship, stating unequivocally that no one is above the legal framework of the nation. His remarks came during the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) Chinese New Year celebration last night.
“This country is a nation that must abide by the law, (it is) a nation of laws,” Anwar said, emphasizing Malaysia’s foundation as a country governed by legal principles. He acknowledged the existence of differing views and potential controversies but stressed the paramount importance of safeguarding stability, respecting religious beliefs and maintaining national unity.
The Prime Minister’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the compliance of houses of worship with existing regulations and a separate issue concerning a proposed pig farm in Selangor. Anwar urged all parties to approach these sensitive matters with respect and adherence to established rules.
“Lately, as you know, the hot topics in Selangor and other states have been the issue of houses of worship that do not follow regulations and also the issue of the construction of pig farms,” he noted. “So, I want to use this opportunity to say that we all know the rules: what is and what isn’t allowed.”
He cautioned against actions that could be perceived as disrespectful to any religion, specifically mentioning the need to avoid insulting Islam, the religion of the Federation and the majority of its citizens, while simultaneously respecting the practices and sensitivities of other communities.
The Prime Minister’s call for adherence to the law echoes recent statements from other officials and organizations. A report from Free Malaysia Today highlighted that Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear that no house of worship is exempt from the law, emphasizing that land ownership and planning approvals are non-negotiable. The article argues that upholding the rule of law is crucial for protecting all communities and maintaining constitutional order.
The issue of “illegal” temples, as described in the Free Malaysia Today report, is a long-standing one, stemming from rapid urban growth and historical administrative inconsistencies. Many temples predate modern municipal systems and grew organically over time, leading to complexities in land ownership and regulatory compliance. Retired civil servants from the G25 group have acknowledged the need for careful handling of these cases, recognizing the historical context without excusing non-compliance.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has also expressed its commitment to working with authorities to resolve issues surrounding Hindu houses of worship, according to The Star. MHS President T. Ganesan stated that the organization supports the rule of law but emphasized the need for a structured solution that considers the historical and systemic nature of the issue.
Anwar Ibrahim’s message, as reported by Bernama, reinforces the principle that Malaysia is a nation founded on the rule of law, and all parties must respect this fundamental principle. He stressed that taking matters into one’s own hands outside the legal framework is unacceptable.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on respectful dialogue and adherence to regulations suggests a commitment to finding solutions that balance the need for legal compliance with the preservation of religious and cultural heritage. The challenge now lies in the consistent and fair enforcement of these laws, as highlighted by the Free Malaysia Today analysis, ensuring that the rule of law is applied firmly, consistently, and without undue haste.
