On April 12, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that in a multi racial society like Malaysia, extreme action, words or writings are totally unacceptable as they can result in social stability.
“On the other hand, with a moderate approach, we can understand one another and maintain a life of unity,” he said in his message in conjunction with the 2014 Songkran Day.
Yet, in his home state of Pahang, the Islamic and Malay Customs Council (Muip) has embarked on an extreme action by prohibiting hotel proprietors in the state from placing Bible in their rooms.
Muip deputy director Datuk Seri Wan Abdual Wahid Wan Hassan revealed two days ago that a letter of prohibition on the matter had been sent to 147 hotels across the state since March 6 and those who defied the directive could be subjected to legal action.
He said that the letter of prohibition was issued under the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions among Muslims Enactment 1989, in line with Article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution.
Muip’s action is extreme and unacceptable and it has acted beyond its jurisdiction.
In fact, Muip’s action has violated the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religions.
Bibles placed in hotel rooms are stamped with the words “ for non Muslims only “ and it is therefore wrong for Muip to view their placement in hotel rooms as an act of spreading other religious beliefs to Muslims.
Malaysia’s international image as a moderate nation has been affected by the recent Allah word issue. Muip’s extreme action will again put Malaysia in the international media for the wrong reason.
On April 12, Datuk Seri Najib also gave his assurance that the government would continue to defend the Constitution rights of all Malaysians.
“This includes religious freedom, cultural diversity and celebrating the day of greatness of religions and their people,” he said.
I therefore call on the Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob to immediately intervene and get Muip to revoke its directive to the hotel operators.