An MP from Perikatan Nasional (PN) has claimed that building non-Muslim houses of worship near mosques may cause disharmony in the country.
This statement was made by Kuala Langat MP Ahmad Yunus Hairi during the parliamentary session yesterday.
‘Don’t build non-Muslim houses of worship near mosques’
During a debate of the supply bill, Ahmad Yunus called upon the government to consider not building non-Muslim houses of worship in the same area as mosques to maintain harmony.
“I’m proposing to the ministry that houses of worship be built in different areas. For example, the lot to build a Muslim house of worship shouldn’t be the same that’s being used to build a non-Muslim house of worship due to sensitivities.
We want to be harmonious, but we don’t want a situation where these houses of worship are all in the same area, leading to noise pollution or loudspeakers that will stir up disharmony and conflict,” he said.
Ahmad Yunus pointed to a Hindu temple which was built in Canary Garden, Klang as an example, where it was located near a Malay settlement and caused unease and opposition from residents.
“While I don’t deny that the temple is there specially for the Hindu community in Kampung Air Hitam, but it is quite far (from where they live).
“Recently, there was a groundbreaking ceremony which caused discomfort among the Muslim community and I hope the minister will resolve the issue well,” he said.
Draws flak from netizens
Ahmad Yunus’ remark has since drawn ire from netizens, who criticised him for his intolerance despite decades of peace and harmony among Malaysians of different religions.
One netizen shared a photo of a mosque, Chinese temple, and Indian temple located just mere metres from each other in Seremban, saying that there have been no reports of religious conflict as a result of its location.
What do you think of Ahmad Yunus’ statement? Let us know in the comments!
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