THE recent announcement in Parliament by Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu of new rules for allocation of funds for non-Muslim houses of worship by the federal government has drawn various criticisms from political parties.
MIC deputy president M. Saravanan and MCA vice president Tan Teik Cheng have denounced the amendments.
Personally, I do not feel that the new rules are too restrictive as the three-year bar before new applications are accepted again is reasonable to ensure that other non-Muslim houses of worship on the waiting list too get allocations they have applied for.
I feel that the thrust of the criticisms should be on the federal government to increase the annual budgetary allocations due to the spiralling construction costs and cost of living from the present RM50 mil to RM100 mil as the federal government allocations cover the entire country.
Compared to the large number of churches, temples and gurdwaras the amount is an inadequate paltry sum and is not in keeping up with the spirit of the country blessed with religious diversity.
Despite most states having their own budgetary allocations for non-Muslim houses of worship, many applications are also received from these houses of worship for the federal funds.
It must be noted that most of these houses of worship could also be receiving donations and contributions from benefactors and philanthropists.
As such I feel that the only about 70% of the federal allocations should be reserved for state applications and the other 30% reserved for the large number of non-Muslim houses of worship mainly in Kuala Lumpur and some in other federal territories.
The states too need to increase the allocations based on their religious demography to ensure that churches and temples will not become too dependent on the federal allocation.
For example, Selangor which has the highest number of Christians, Hindus and possibly Sikhs, Buddhists/Taoists in Peninsular Malaysia, only provides a miserly allocation.
In fact, the state does not even reveal the budgetary amount provided as there is no mention about the amount on the posters featuring Selangor’s budgetary allocations for various development programmes.
These posters are displayed in the Selangor state representatives and MPs offices.
As some have stated it will also be better for the authorities to monitor and evaluate the money being utilised to prevent abuse.
The evaluation of applications should be done by a multi-religious team from the ministry who have in-depth knowledge about the needs and special requirements of the houses of worship.
Many civil servant cannot differentiate between a Buddhist, Taoist or Hindu temple or distinguish between a priest and a bishop let alone the numerous Christian denominations in the country.
If necessary officials from the CFM/CCM, Hindu Sangam and representatives from other religious associations can be roped in to join the Ministry’s evaluation team.
Applications for re-building, renovations, maintenance, landscaping and religious celebrations should be meticulously assessed to ensure they get the needed amount and not be given a miniscule sum that satisfies no one.
First time applicants, based on their needs, should be provided a more generous assistance. There is also a need to set aside a RM5 mil emergency fund as houses of worship ravaged by floods or razed by fire or facing structural collapse need a speedy approval of their application.
Application forms for the allocations and emergency fund should be easily available on the ministry’s website for easy access to the office bearers and administrators.
Those who have received the allocation and the amount should be listed on the website for better transparency and accountability.
The federal government’s allocation should be fully utilised annually before the next budget to ensure a fresh start every year.
The annual allocations by the federal and state governments together with the government sponsored open houses buttress the nation’s racial and religious diversity and good will, which has stood the test of time despite challenges.
These benevolent gestures need to be followed with any major setbacks and shortcomings for the wellbeing and solidarity of the country. – Dec 3, 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.
Main pic credit: Tatler Asia
