TEMERLOH: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged that the construction of any house of worship in the state must comply with existing laws and regulations.
The ruler said this was essential to preserve harmony within the multiracial community.
He said building houses of worship without going through proper channels not only violated regulations but could also spark misunderstandings and tension among different races and religions.
“These laws are not meant to restrict or oppress, but to coordinate and ensure justice and collective harmony,” he was quoted as saying by the Kesultanan Pahang portal today.
Yesterday, Al-Sultan Abdullah delivered a speech at the opening of the Tengku Amir Ibrahim Sultan Abdullah Mosque at Taman Bukit Bendera in Mentakab, here.
Also present were the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.
Meanwhile, the Sultan said any party acting at its own discretion without referring to the law would only create confusion and disputes within the community.
“Similar to building a house without a plan, it will eventually collapse to the ground. The Pahang government must act in an orderly manner and not resort to hasty actions that trigger conflict,” he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also called on the authorities and local councils, through the non-Muslim houses of worship committee and the Islamic Religious Department, together with community leaders, to work hand in hand to explain procedures and provide appropriate guidance to the public.
On the same note, he reminded the people to act with maturity and responsibility in order to safeguard the state’s unity.
On Feb 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all houses of worship must adhere to the law, adding that local authorities had the right to take action against structures built without proper legal approval.
The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had also called for all houses of worship to be constructed only after proper applications were submitted and lawful approval was obtained from the government and local authorities.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
