His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has urged all Malaysians to adhere to laws regarding land use and the construction of places of worship.
In a statement, the King emphasised that religious issues must not be politicised, as doing so could threaten the harmony, unity, and stability of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.
His majesty the yang di-pertuan agong, sultan ibrahim
Respect for laws ensures religious harmony
His Majesty further stressed that issues regarding the construction of temples should be handled using the same rules and legal channels as the construction of mosques, churches, and other houses of worship.
Recalling an incident from 2018, Sultan Ibrahim shared his experience acting as a mediator to resolve the demolition of a temple in Johor. He noted that the matter was settled in a peaceful, careful, and lawful manner.
“I personally handled the matter amicably and advised all parties involved to always follow the law to avoid any unwanted incidents and to maintain public order.
“Islam emphasises mutual respect among people and does not prevent followers of other religions from practising their own beliefs and worship,” His Majesty decreed.
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“Every citizen has a responsibility to uphold these values for the greater good”
The King also highlighted that followers of other religions should show a respectful attitude towards Islam, noting the importance of preventing conflicts and building unity among people of different faiths and cultures.
“Therefore, whenever issues arise around the construction of temples or other places of worship, everyone must understand and respect the country’s laws and resolve differences through legal channels to maintain harmony, tolerance, and goodwill.”
His Majesty added that Malaysia is a nation built on harmony, with its strength rooted in mutual respect, tolerance, and adherence to the law, and every citizen has a responsibility to uphold these values for the greater good.
He also reminded everyone to avoid making statements or taking actions that could spark misunderstandings, division, or threaten the nation’s peace.
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