THE Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has criticised Terengganu Mufti Datuk Mohamad Sabri Haron for asserting that Muslims are allowed to preach Islam in places of worship of other religions.
The grouping argues that such an interpretation could undermine the sanctity of non-Muslim places of worship and provoke religious disharmony.
Key to the controversy is Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees the right to practise and propagate one’s religion, but with limitations.
Clause (4) allows for state and federal laws to restrict the propagation of religious doctrines among Muslims.
The MCCBCHST emphasises that this clause is intended to protect Muslims from being proselytised by non-Muslims and does not grant Muslims the right to preach in non-Muslim religious spaces.
“The Terengganu Mufti’s suggestion that Muslims can enter non-Muslim places of worship to preach Islam contradicts the correct interpretation of the Federal Constitution and Malaysian laws,” said MCCBCHST in a statement.
“Clause (4) specifically safeguards Muslims from such proselytisation by controlling and restricting the propagation of other faiths to them, and it does not extend to allowing preaching in non-Muslim places of worship.”
MCCBCHST further warned that this interpretation could lead to a hostile atmosphere and foster religious ill-will. “All places of worship are sacred to their respective faiths.”
“If visits to these places are intended to foster unity and promote understanding, they should be welcomed. However, using these visits for proselytization could disturb the peace and undermine religious harmony,” the group added.
The statement came after the Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram (MHDM) raised an alarm over Sabri’s statement.
According to Harapan Daily, the MHDM had called on Hindu temple management and Hindus at large to ensure that temples are reserved for Hindus.
Its president Radhakrishnan Alagamalai called for the reservation following the controversy that sparked off after a group of Muslims visited the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Kampung Kasipillai, Kuala Lumpur.
“It has been made clear by certain delegation that their intent is to exploit our vulnerabilities in a concerted effort to convert Hindus to Islam,” MHDM said in a statement. – Aug 11, 2024
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