Pitchay M Chinniah
Malaysia stands as a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law and the supremacy of the Federal Constitution.
While Article 3 of the Federal Constitution recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation, Article 11 clearly guarantees everyone the fundamental right to profess and practise his or her religion in peace and harmony.
Therefore, any individual who publicly questions the legality of Hindu temples or arrogates to himself the authority to call for their demolition must first clarify under what lawful capacity such statements are made. No private individual, political opportunist or racial provocateur has the authority to determine the fate of any place of worship in Malaysia.
Such matters fall strictly within the jurisdiction of competent authorities and ultimately the courts of law. Any dispute concerning the status of temples or shrines must be addressed through lawful judicial processes, not through public intimidation or inflammatory rhetoric that may endanger national unity.
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If such irresponsible provocations are allowed to persist without decisive intervention, they risk undermining the confidence of non-Muslim communities in the government’s commitment to protecting religious rights and social harmony.
I respectfully urge the police and the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate and take firm action against any statements that incite religious hostility or threaten places of worship.
Preventive action is essential to ensure that Malaysia does not fall victim to divisive elements who seek to disrupt our long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence.
As president of the Penang Social Development Harmony Club, I strongly believe that the preservation of peace and harmony among people of all faiths must remain a national priority.
The enforcement authorities must act decisively to safeguard not only temples and shrines but also the unity and stability of our beloved nation.
Let it be clear: the people of Malaysia, of all ethnicities and religions, wish to live together in peace, dignity and mutual respect.
Dato’ Dr Pitchay M Chinniah, a legal consultant, is the president of the Penang Social Development Harmony Club.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
