PUTRAJAYA: The government has barred the construction and operation of all houses of worship built without official approval, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said local councils now have the prerogative to remove any illegal houses of worship.
“I do not allow houses of worship that do not abide by the rules, and local councils have been given the authority to clear out areas not owned by such temples so that this issue can be resolved properly,” said Anwar.
He said this during a monthly assembly involving staff of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (National Unity) on Monday morning (Feb 8).
Anwar said he expected his remarks to spark controversy but stressed that Malaysia is a country governed by the rule of law.
“One person wanted to demolish it, and another wanted to defend it. This is a country that upholds the rule of law. If you want to negotiate, negotiate properly,” he added.
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