PM stresses houses of worship must comply with regulations, warns against politicising religious issues.
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that while freedom of worship is guaranteed in Malaysia, all houses of worship, regardless of religion, must be built in strict accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Speaking at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar said the government’s position is clear: religious activities are not restricted, but they must be carried out within legal boundaries.
“We must have laws. I was also involved in thinking about dakwah before. Go ahead and preach — there are no restrictions at all.
“But follow the regulations. That is all we ask,” he said.
He emphasised that the same principle applies to the construction of temples and other religious structures.
“Build any temple you want. Pray as much as you wish. But follow the rules.
“You cannot simply put up a temple, shrine or idol anywhere you like without regard for regulations. That is not allowed,” he said.
Anwar also dismissed claims that certain religious structures could be erected freely without approval.
“Some people say a surau can be built anywhere without following the rules. That is not true.
“I know from our history that there were surau in Perak that were demolished for breaching regulations. So I hope this matter can be resolved properly,” he added.
He warned that failure to manage such issues lawfully could undermine national stability and distract from more pressing priorities.
“If we continue like this, the country will not be peaceful. We will not be able to focus on bigger national issues — values, education, AI, reform programmes and education transformation,” he said.
Anwar had earlier announced on Feb 9 that the federal government would no longer permit the construction of unregulated houses of worship.
Speaking at the National Unity Ministry’s monthly assembly, he said local councils have been empowered to act against any structures intentionally built in breach of existing laws.
“I know this will invite controversy, which is why I am saying it. But this is a country governed by the rule of law,” he said, stressing that the issue concerns unauthorised land use rather than any particular religion.
“If it goes to the extreme of there being campaigns to demolish temples, that would also be wrong,” he added, reiterating that disputes must be resolved through negotiation and proper legal channels.
On Feb 10, Anwar called on state governments — including those led by the opposition — to comply with the federal government’s decision, describing the issue as complex and noting that it took more than two years for the policy to be finalised.
“Compromise has its strengths and benefits. But it should not undermine the foundations and strength of the nation,” he said.
On Feb 12, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim decreed that all parties must comply with the law in matters involving land use and the construction of houses of worship.
The king cautioned against politicising religious issues in ways that could undermine harmony and unity in Malaysia’s multiracial society.
“Every issue related to land use and the construction of houses of worship must be addressed in accordance with the law and through the same legal channels applied to mosques, churches and temples,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim also reminded all parties to avoid actions or statements that could create misunderstanding or division, emphasising that Malaysia’s strength lies in harmony, tolerance and adherence to the rule of law.
