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For national unity, harmony, all must MYOB
KUALA LUMPUR, XJan 2, 2024: Puchong MIC chief Awtar Singh Sidhu says Muslims should also stay out of the affairs of non-Muslims.
He was responmding to DAP MP Ngeh Koo Ham’s apology over his suggestion to include non-Muslims in a special committee formed by the so-called Madani Unity Government to study the Syariah Law.
For the sake of national unity and harmony, all must Mind Your Own Business (MYOB) in all sensitive matters related to religion and race.
No News Is Bad News reproduces two Focus Malaysia articles on the issues:
“Muslims should mind their own biz, too, by not meddling in non-Muslim affairs”
in Featured, Mainstream, Top
AGAINST the backdrop of DAP lawmaker Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham having apologised over his suggestion to include non-Muslims in a special committee formed by the Federal Government to study the Syariah law, a MIC grassroots leader has pleaded with Muslims to reciprocate by “staying out” of non-Muslim affairs as well.
Puchong MIC Division chief Awtar Singh Sidhu cited PAS-ruled states which closed outlets of number forecast operators like Magnum and Sports Toto as part of their across-the-board gambling ban or even prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages.
“You guys want to control everything when you can just refrain from buying Magnum and Sports Toto or abstain from consuming liquor. You guys still meddle in those matters when they have to do with religious freedom of non-Muslims,” he pointed out in a recent video clip.
“Shouldn’t this be construed as interfering in the affairs of non-Muslims by imposing laws to ban gambling or sale of alcoholic beverages?”
Awtar went on to hit out at the ‘frequent’ act of demolishing Hindu temples “when we seldom hear of demolishing Chinese places of worship or even mosques”.
“Perhaps historically there are many Hindu temples due to the existence of estates,” he contended.
“Let non-Muslims handle the legality aspect of temples which might be erected illegally. In this regard, municipal councils should appoint a Hindu or Buddhist to sit in their committees to represent non-Muslims when we are confronted with issues related to non-Muslims.”
Relating his past experience as the Subang Jaya municipal councillor, Awtar said he was responsible in “re-locating seven Hindu temples, three Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship) and two Buddhist temples”.
“This was made possible because I was in the committee and able to find a solution before such matters escalated to become an issue whereby the opposition would seize the opportunity to stir up racial sentiments,” he contended while referring to the recent backlash from partial demolition of the 103-year-old Sri Naga Amman temple in Sentul by its landowner.
“Issues such as temple demolition should be left to non-Muslims to settle … At best, Muslim officers at municipal councils should refrain from making decision by leaving the matter solely to non-Muslims to handle,” suggested Awtar.
“The current practice has been that Muslims are the ones who arrived the decision but non-Muslims get faulted which is rather unfair. If there are insufficient non-Muslim officers around, then efforts must be taken to increase their intake whether at the civil service level or at local government level, including city councils.”
He added: “This is certainly not a tedious move but an easy formula. We’re not keen to interfere in your affairs and likewise you guys, too, shouldn’t meddle in our affairs. If there are still those who fan racial sentiments after this, then arrest them regardless of they are Muslims or non-Muslims.” – Dec 31, 2023
Local authorities should not discriminate against religious minorities
THERE is a need for local municipal authorities to be fair in treating all the communities in the country especially in Selangor, which is the most multi-racial and diverse state in the country.
One sees a lot of festive decorations usually in the urban areas which are put up by the local authorities to show their appreciation to the ratepayers and residents.
These decorations and colourful lights brighten up the public spaces for the festival. This is done usually for Christmas and The New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year and Deepavali.
This gesture brings the people closer to the local administrators who have to work directly with them to create a vibrant and active community.
One also sees banners and buntings being displayed with festive greetings and messages put up by the MPs and state representatives to thank the voters for electing them.
All these gestures are good and appreciated and to a certain extent, unique. The open house gatherings by the state and federal governments for all the major Malaysian festivals underpin the need for communal harmony and national solidarity.
However, there are shortcomings and complaints about the local municipal authorities when it comes to discrimination for treating festivals differently.
As is well known, Islam is the official religion and the importance given to Hari Raya Puasa especially when it comes to decorations and lighting up cannot begrudged.
Recently I found out that decorations for Christmas were almost overlooked in Selangor. Christians and other non-Muslims will feel discriminated if public areas especially around important intersections, roundabouts, main streets, near churches and other houses of worship remain dull and normal.
Decorating these places will give a lively carnival atmosphere and please the residents to feel the spirit of goodwill.
All local authorities allocate certain amounts for decorations annually. If this prejudice could be happening in a developed, rich and diverse state like Selangor, the administration needs to look into this.
The local government executive councillor needs to monitor the situation and ensure that all municipal authorities, based on their demographics, do at least the minimum in lighting up and decorating the public urban areas during the four major festivals.
The MPs and state assemblypersons could also convey their concern when they observe these unfairness to some communities. – Jan 1, 2024
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
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