Rulers concerned over growing intolerance

PETALING JAYA: The Malay Rulers have expressed concern that unity and harmony in the country is eroding following a series of racial and religious controversies.
Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad in a statement yesterday said the Rulers found that in recent weeks, the actions of certain individuals had gone beyond all acceptable standards of decency, risking the harmony that currently exists within the country’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic society.
“The Rulers are of the opinion that the damaging implications of such actions are more severe when they are erroneously associated with or committed in the name of Islam.
“As a religion that encourages its followers to be respectful, moderate and inclusive, the reputation of Islam must not be tainted by the divisive actions of certain groups or individuals which may lead to rifts among the rakyat,” the statement read.
The statement echoed the stance taken by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, in prohibiting Muslim-only launderettes in both states.
Their positions, the Rulers said, demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that Muslims behave with respect, moderation and inclusiveness, in a country which is home to people of many different ethnic groups and religions.
“Unity among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious people is key to ensuring the country’s ongoing stability. After 60 years of independence, we must continue to act in accordance with the principles embodied within the Constitution and manifested in the spirit of the Rukun Negara,” the Rulers stressed.
They added that the Rukun Negara, which outlined five guiding principles for the country, must continue to serve as a compass to all citizens including leaders and government officials.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) president Datuk R. S. Mohan Shan said the statement from the rulers was timely, reports ASHWIN KUMAR.
“This country is famous for its unity and harmony. Any incident which degrades the harmony among the people should not be tolerated and that is what the rulers want checked,” he said.
Mohan also pointed out that Sultan Ibrahim made the right decision when he expressed dismay over the laundrette’s move.
“All these sudden sensitivities is not good in this multi-racial country. The people know what is the right thing to do which is respecting each other and cherish the harmony we have,” he added.
Last month, a self-service laundrette in Johor created a stir after its discriminatory business policy which prohibited non-Muslim patrons.
Subsequently, the Johor royalty and a chorus of non-governmental organisations expressed their disappointment over the policy.
The laundrette owner then apologised and agreed to abide by Sultan Ibrahim’s decree and took down the controversial signboard at the laundrette which stated that only Muslims were allowed to use its machines.
In a similar incident which took place in Kangar, Perlis, a two-month-old laundrette drew flak from consumers for putting up a notice that said its services were for Muslim use only.
The operator agreed to change it following advice from Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin, who was instructed by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin to probe the matter.