Time has come for Malaysia to have a CLEAR Policy how to deal with places of religious worship and burial sites. See below for PROPOSED policy. Legality cannot simply be determined on who has the LAND TITLE - more so that Land reverted to Malaysia after independence, and our National Land Code came into being thereafter. Many had 'agreements' with Land Owners and the Government - problem is some of these agreements were never registered?? So many issues, before we can say that some places of worship are LEGAL or NOT need to be considered, more so since Malaysia is a multi-religious country.
Good thing also is that in the relevant Penal Code offences concerning religion, Parliament did not set a MINIMUM sentence, and thus for those who plead guilty, have repented, and do apologize sincerely - the Courts still have the power to impose a minimum penalty - that does not involve lengthy prison sentence. So, just CHARGE them in Court - a demonstration that the government of the DAY is serious about such crimes.
RECENT TEMPLE DESTRUCTION CASE
When the police arrest, and then their application for remand, or set aside by the High Court, it is NO BIG DEAL. Remand is NOT necessary to investigate CRIMES - remember Najib was, I believe, never remanded. Police can still investigate, and CHARGE...(PM Anwar and the MADANI government must not be seen as promoting 'selective investigation, or selective non-prosecution' )
In the recent 'self help' temple demolition case, it was a CRIME - no doubt about it, as PM Anwar's subsequent statement also makes it most clear. The perpetrators are already been identified, and in fact, I believe that they may have already admitted to their crime - SO, no reason why they could not be speedily charged in court - Court will decide on GUILT, and appropriate JUST sentence. Good thing now,
This is VERY IMPORTANT Mr. Prime Minister, more so when those who mocked a Hindu Religious practice, where the commissioning of the crime was circulated online. Remember, Constitution says 'equal treatment under the law', and those who break the law, especially on RELIGION(one of the 3R) must be acted upon according to law. Action was taken ERA FM, the employers - but the actual perpetrators were never CHARGED in Court. WHY were they speedily not charged in court, and if they were repentant, then they will plead GUILTY, and apologize in COURT - and that will be taken into account by the judge in deciding a JUST Sentence.
ERA FM Must Refuse Compound Offer, Also Any ‘Out Of Court Settlement’, As It Impacts On Press Freedom And Puts At Risk Media Organizations For Crimes Committed By Employees, Without Their Knowledge/Consent
ERA FM Employees - charge them Sec. 298 Penal Code - Actions which wound religious feelings - not Section 233 CMA 1988, which must be repealed? Anwar - personally speak up
For the person who allegedly stepped on the Muslim Holy Book, he was speedily charged. It did not matter if he/she was Muslim or of some other religion.
UMPSA student to be charged over alleged Quran insult on social media today - see Star, 3/3/2026 - so why the DELAY in charging the temple demolishers.
A controversial case of religious desecration has taken a surprising new turn, with prominent Malaysian preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung revealing that the individual at the center of the storm is actually a Muslim convert who had persistently sought his help to embrace Islam just last year. Firdaus Wong took to social media to share his personal connection to the suspect. He claimed that the man, whom he identified as a university student using the name Muhammad Zain, converted to Islam on April 20, 2025. - Malay Mail, 2/3/2026
In my opinion, the religion of the perpetrator matters little - so the perpetrator can also be from SAME RELIGION or a different religion - What do you think?
Anwar Ibrahim in a 'PICKLE" - did he INCITE a crime?
PM Anwar Ibrahim may be in a 'pickle' because of what he said publicly - allegedly moved the criminal suspects to go destroy a TEMPLE?
EVERYONE is watching to see if those who went and destroyed the Temple will be charged and tried in court. Or will again, the law breaker not be PROSECUTED just like what happen to the individuals who publicly 'mocked' a Hindu religious practice?
The issue of LEGALITY of temple, mosque and other places of worship has come up again. This time, some persons themselves went and demolished a Temple because it was on some other person's property...and worse, they claim that their CRIME was allegedly in response to the PM's call....
“So, in response to PM’s call regarding the clearing of illegal houses of worship, Ismail, as a trustee of the foundation, sought Tamim's assistance to carry out the clearing of the illegal structure on the foundation's land.
Now, this raises the possibility that Prime Minister may have committed the crime of abutment - he may be charged as an ACCOMPLICE in a crime????
'A person abets the doing of a thing who-
(a) instigates any person to do that thing;...' (Sec.107 Penal Code)
'Whoever abets any offence shall, if the act abetted is committed in consequence of the abetment, and no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment of such abetment, be punished with the punishment provided for the offence.
Explanation - An act or offence is said to be committed in consequence of abetment, when it is committed in consequence of the instigation, or in pursuance of the conspiracy, or with the aid which constitutes the abetment...(Sec. 109)
So, the question must be asked whether Prime Minister's statement about 'illegal places of worship' was an ABETMENT, hence a crime. Noting that there is that statement in the media, that the act of demolition was 'in response to the PM's call"
The statement of PM was worrisome as many included the MCCBCHS also issued a statement of concern calling also for the 'withdrawal' of such statement.
The Malaysian Indian People Party (MIPP) has asserted that the Prime Minister does not have the legal authority to direct local councils to demolish or “clear” any place of worship, including Hindu temples, stressing that such powers lie under state jurisdiction as provided by the Federal Constitution.- Sun, 12/2/2026
In a statement today, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) warned that the premier’s statement was too general and could be interpreted as applying to all places of worship indiscriminately...The group called on the premier to clarify whether the directive applies to places of worship that existed pre-independence, arguing that categorising decades-old places of worship as “illegal” under current laws would be arbitrary and unjust. - Malaysiakini, 11/2/2026
However, before the PM could revise his statement, some seem to have acted in reliance of that statement, and proceeded to demolish a temple.
To be fair, the PM acted FAST - but not before some people had destroyed a TEMPLE...
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged the public not to take the law into their own hands over places of worship purportedly built without approval. Anwar said no individual or group had the right to act based on their own feelings or preferences, adding that the rule of law must be upheld in Malaysia. “This country must be based on rules and laws, not on the whims and fancies of individuals. You have no right whatsoever to take the law into your own hands,” he said at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year celebration tonight.This follows recent disputes over houses of worship that allegedly do not comply with regulations, and a campaign to demolish such places of worship being pushed by certain quarters.
It also comes after police arrested four men who allegedly demolished part of a temple in Rawang, Selangor, earlier today. The police also seized a backhoe. - FMT, 11/2/2026
PROPOSED GOVERNMENT POLICY ON PLACES OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP AND BURIAL SITES
Now, the Government must develop a CLEAR policy when it comes to allegedly 'illegally' constructed places of worship, and ACTION must be taken fast.
Whether it is 'ILLEGAL' or not must be based on ALL facts, not simply that the land is currently registered under the name of some individual/entity.
* Take plantation housing and Temples, many owners of plantations/land did AGREE with their workers to give them land/houses, and even for the building of other structures including Temples, but due to LEGAL ILLITERACY of the recipients of ownership, and the deception or failure of the land owner to register/transfer said land to the new owners - ended up sometimes that the land being sold/transferred to 3rd parties, without the transfer of houses/lands and temples to the owner being done at that time. In many of this cases, the workers, even after they cease employment continued to stay in these houses and occupy the land - 'confirming' the transfer of the property to them.
* Then, there is the issue of per-Independence and post-Independence when the LAND which belonged to the British Colonial government was transferred back to the Malaysia on Independence. Did the then British administration approve the building of the said place of worship? They may have failed to issue a paper title deed, but if the approval was given - then the place of worship must be LEGAL. So, maybe, even in determining proprietary rights - Courts will still need to review past documents, etc... [ Let us look at Israel-Palestine, when Israel came into being, evicted Palestinians and then issued land-titles to Israelis(and new settlers) - do we just look at the land titles issued by Israel to determine who owns the land/property - or do we look deeper, maybe even before Israel was formed to determine the true owners of land/property - which would be the Palestinians, not the Israelis]
* Malaysia is now recognizing Native Customary Right(NCR) - hence the ownership and right to occupy/use land as Native or Orang Asli land. So, then the fact that some other has a LAND TITLE may not determine absolute ownership anymore.
THUS, a PROPOSED GOVERNMENT POLICY, with dealing with particularly Religious Places of Worship in Malaysia
A. If the Religious Place of Worship (including burial sites) was built and was being utilized before MERDEKA (31/8/1957), then prima facie, it should be considered LEGAL, unless contrary is proven. In this case, the government must take steps to Legalize such places of worship and/or burial sites;
B. If on State land, the said place of worship and/or burial site, was built and existed within a period of 50 years or less from 31/8/1957, irrespective of whether the State land was subsequently sold to private persons/entities, taking into account the spirit of the Federal Constitution which states, Article 3(1) Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation, the Federal/State Government shall endeavour to legalize such places of worship and/or burial sites to ensure peace and harmony among Malaysians of different faith/beliefs.
C. If the Temple and/or burial site was built and maintained on private property, NOT government land, GLC or government agencies land, within a period of 50 years or less from 31/8/1957 and where there were no efforts by the land owner to prevent the building, or the continued existence of the place of worship or burial sites, and noting the spirit of the Federal Constitution, Federal/State government shall endeavor the legalisation of such places, including by use of Land Acquisition Act, providing adequate compensation to the registered land owner. The possibility of relocation may also be considered.
D. Where the said place of worship and/or burial sites was build more than 50 years after Independence, and there was NO efforts by the registered private landowner to stop the encroachment of the land, the building of the place of worship, giving the impression of consent by the landowner, then the Government should deal with said places of worship and/or burial sites JUSTLY, to ensure no breach of peace and/or harmony. If the places of worship are to be demolished, adequate compensation may have to be considered to compensate the construction cost, and the Government may also facilitate offers to relocate to some suitable location not far from present location. Present places of worship may be maintained until the relocated place of worship is built - to prevent disruption of place of worship function for adherents/users of the premises until the relocated place of worship is ready and functional.
### NEW ISSUE - Places of Worship in Residential Premises, or COMMERCIAL premises - there are now many of such places, and it is BEST that the government deal with it. The worry is that LATER government, especially Local Government/Local Council may take the position that this ILLEGAL - as they should require a special permit/licence, and cannot similar operate from HOUSES in residential areas, or in shoplots in COMMERCIAL Buildings.
Whilst in Malaysia, ISLAM is ONE Religion - and all Muslims can use any MOSQUE and SURAUS - but the REALITY OF OTHER RELIGIONS IS VERY DIFFERENT - it is wrong to assume that there is JUST one CHRISTIAN, one HINDU, one CHINESE RELIGION or ... in Malaysia, that sometimes led to allocation of land/burial sites to just 1 Christian Church, 1 Hindu Temple and 1 Chinese Religion > it is WRONG and does not work. What about the place of worship for other Christian groups...
There must be an appreciation that most religions - Like Christianity, there are SO MANY different groups of Christians, and most people have heard about the CATHOLICS and PROTESTANTS, but not so simple because under the PROTESTANTS, there are so many different groups, and they all need their OWN Place of Worship.
For the Protestant, under the Council of Churches of Malaysia - amongst others, we have Anglican, Basel Christian Church, Lutheran, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Methodist, Orthodox Syrian Church, Presbyterian Church, Protestant Church in Sabah, ...
Under the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, we have the Assembly of God, Baptist Church, Brethren Church, Evangelical Free Church, Full Gospel Assembly, Full Gospel Tabernacle, Hope of God Church, Latter Rain Church, Sidang Injil Borneo Sabah, Sidang Injil Borneo Sarawak, Sidang Injil Borneo Semenanjung, ...
AND all the different Christians, all of which are in MALAYSIA, they need separate places of worship or CHURCHes in most towns in Malaysia. For sharing is near impossible - but in TOWN Planning, the government failed to consider this very FACT - there may be a need to allocate lands/ permits for at least 20 different Churches, in most towns. - See Christian Federation of Malaysia website - to understand better the different Christian groups in Malaysia that exist. Mind you, there are more, some who have still not members of CFM.
Chinese religion in Malaysia is a diverse, community-based practice blending Taoism, Buddhism, and ancestral worship - some assume that Chinese are just Buddhist - so very wrong? Buddhism in Malaysia is diverse, with Mahayana (primarily Chinese), Theravada (Thai, Sinhalese, Burmese), and Vajrayana (Tibetan).Taoist groups in Malaysia are diverse, often merging with Chinese folk religion, and are typically categorized by dialect group, lineage, or regional practices.
Indians in Malaysia - there are Christians, Muslims, Buddhist and HINDUS. With regard to Hindus, there are many different kind of Hindus, and they use different Temples, associated with particular deities. They also come from different sub-ethnicity like Tamils(the majority), Malayalees, Telugus, Punjabis, Gujaratis, Sindhis, Goanese, Srilankan Sinhalas, Sri Lankan Tamils, the unique Melaka Chetty, and others - where they also use different languages - and all these need their own Temples and places of worship. They also want priests who speak their language...END Result, many different kinds of TEMPLES and places of worship are needed.
MUSLIMS - there too are different types of Muslims in Malaysia, predominantly Sunni, but there are also Shia and other groups. Now, Malaysia currently only seem to recognize Sunni Shafi'i school of thought... but then there is an issue of language with the bringing in of many migrant workers - is it not better that the Imam speaks the language they are familiar with? In Islam, there are also various groups, which Malaysia sometimes consider 'deviants' like the accusation levied at the GISBH of late?
HENCE, in a multi-religious Malaysia, the issue of places of worship and burial sites is so much more COMPLEX - and it is maybe wrong to lump all Malaysians simplistically in Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhist, other Chinese Religions, Sikhs, etc...
It must be included in Malaysian education syllabus - about this REALITY of the so many different religions in Malaysia > breaking the IGNORANCE of believing that there is simply 1 Muslim, 1 Christian, 1 Hindu, 1 Buddhist, and the so many different type of Chinese Religions in Malaysia. UNDERSTANDING is a pre-requisite to greater respect.
Activist Tamim Dahri, who has been at the forefront of campaigning against unauthorised temples, was arrested after demolishing a temple in Rawang early this morning.
Lawyer Aidil Khalid claimed that the temple (above) in Taman Rawang Perdana was built on land belonging to Yayasan Kubra.
A trustee of the foundation, Ismail Mina, purportedly sought Tamim’s assistance to clear the structure following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s call to “clean up” places of worship that were erected in violation of the law.
“The Yayasan Kubra land in Rawang Perdana has been encroached by an illegal temple since 2018.
“So, in response to PM’s call regarding the clearing of illegal houses of worship, Ismail, as a trustee of the foundation, sought Tamim's assistance to carry out the clearing of the illegal structure on the foundation's land.
“This is to make way for the construction of a housing project for the asnaf (tithe recipients) on the land, which has been planned for a long time. The clearing was successfully carried out early this morning,” Aidil told Malaysiakini.
The lawyer for Gerakan Peguam Menuntut Keadilan added that after the demolition work was completed, Tamim was surrounded by a group of people who were not the legal owners of the land.
“After contacting 999, two police personnel arrived at the scene and escorted Tamim to the Gombak police district headquarters.
“He was detained and will be brought for a remand hearing tomorrow,” said Aidil.
Malaysiakini has contacted the Gombak police district headquarters for comment.
Tamim had been arrested just several days earlier, along with preacher Zamri Vinoth and others, when they turned up for a planned rally on Saturday against what has been described as alleged illegal houses of worship.
They were remanded for two days before being released.
‘Hundreds of reports but no action’
The demolition has drawn sharp condemnation from the Hindu Temple Task Force (HTTF), which described the act as an extreme measure that threatens public order.
HTTF claimed it had lodged hundreds of police reports against Tamim over the past two weeks after the activist was found to be raising funds to purchase a backhoe specifically to demolish houses of worship alleged to be illegal.
“No one should take vigilante action like this. In fact, enforcement authorities will only act in accordance with the law.
“We regret that the police failed to take early preventive measures despite reports being made,” said an HTTF representative.
HTTF also linked the action to Anwar's recent statement directing local authorities to “clean up” illegal places of worship.
The group urged the prime minister to be more cautious in issuing statements that could inspire extremists to target the houses of worship of other religions.
Exco: Keep calm, follow official channels
Selangor state executive councillor Pappa Raidu Veraman said he views the incident seriously.
He said any issue of encroachment or demolition must go through official channels such as the district and land office or local authorities, rather than through individual actions.
“I urge the police to take immediate, professional, and transparent action against all parties involved.
“If there are legal violations, the equipment and machinery used, including the backhoe, should be seized to ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly and to prevent interference with evidence,” he stressed in a statement today.
He also called on all parties to remain calm and not allow this issue to be exploited to trigger racial or religious tensions.
The incident in Rawang Perdana occurred just days after Anwar ordered local authorities to “clean up” (membersihkan) houses of worship built without permission or on land not belonging to them.
The directive on Monday was aimed at enforcement agencies to improve urban planning.
Anwar’s call too broad, indiscriminate
However, an interfaith group has expressed concern over the prime minister's directive.
In a statement today, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) warned that the prime minister's statement was too general and could be interpreted as applying to all places of worship indiscriminately.
The group urged the prime minister to clarify whether the directive applies to places of worship that existed before Merdeka, arguing that categorising decades-old places of worship as “illegal” under current laws is arbitrary and unfair.
“It has been said many times and is repeated here that during the colonial era, the British allowed temples and other places of worship to be built in rubber estates and tin mining areas.
“This was before Malaya gained independence in 1957, and at this time, there were no local councils nor was there the National Land Code, which was only passed in 1965,” MCCBCHST said. - Malaysiakini, 11/2/2026
Anwar must immediately withdraw call to 'clean-up illegal temples'
The heinous act of destroying a temple in Rawang was a direct result of the prime minister's directive, something never heard from previous governments.
The concept of Madani includes respect, trust and compassion. Yet there was nothing "Madani" about the recent "directive" issued by the prime minister in respect of purported "illegal" temples and the order issued to local councils to remove them. This directive was unprecedented and has sent shock-waves.
For starters, only a court can declare with finality that a temple is occupying land illegally, and a court order is required before it can be demolished. In no circumstances can temple management be labelled trespassers and police action taken against them.
Neither does the argument hold water, that if it's on private land, vigilantism or self-help is allowed. If that were the case, it means if an assault or other criminal offence occurs on private land, either it cannot be prosecuted or people may take the law into their own hands and use self-help remedies to address it.
The heinous act of destroying a temple in Rawang a few days ago was a direct result of the prime minister's directive and was entirely foreseeable. The tragedy is that it was perpetrated by the Madani government in utter breach of their promise of trust, compassion and respect. It is not something we have heard from previous governments.
That it emanates from a government that saw itself in power due the support of all communities, underscores the callousness with which they are now being treated.
This government has a duty to all Malaysians to ensure they may live in peace and harmony and without fear and exercise all their fundamental freedoms under the Federal Constitution. These are basic human rights that are being violated by the very government so many of us supported.
Above all, the government has the duty to act with caution on matters of religion and culture, and to have sensible discussions with community leaders to resolve such sensitive issues. This was how such issues were resolved in the past. What is being unleashed upon us instead, is wholly unacceptable and sickening.
It is time for the Cabinet to have an emergency meeting and cause an immediate withdrawal of the directive by the prime minister and to have an immediate cessation of all action against temples. That is the only responsible thing to do.
Ambiga Sreenevasan and N Surendran are rights activists and lawyers. - Malaysia Now, 15/2/2026
Don’t take the law into your own hands, warns Anwar
The prime minister says no one has the right to act on places of worship purportedly built without approval at their own whims and fancies.
Anwar said no individual or group had the right to act based on their own feelings or preferences, adding that the rule of law must be upheld in Malaysia.
“This country must be based on rules and laws, not on the whims and fancies of individuals. You have no right whatsoever to take the law into your own hands,” he said at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year celebration tonight.
This follows recent disputes over houses of worship that allegedly do not comply with regulations, and a campaign to demolish such places of worship being pushed by certain quarters.
It also comes after police arrested four men who allegedly demolished part of a temple in Rawang, Selangor, earlier today. The police also seized a backhoe.
The case is being investigated for mischief, causing damage to a place of worship, insult with intent to breach the peace, and criminal trespass.
Malaysiakini reported that one of the suspects arrested was activist Tamim Dahri, who was among those behind the planned rally against so-called “illegal” houses of worship last Saturday.
Anwar acknowledged that his stance might not be popular with some, but emphasised that no group in the country could operate with complete disregard for laws and regulations.
“Malaysia is a nation of laws. Yes, there are issues, controversies, and differences, but the ultimate priority is to protect stability, uphold the sanctity of our beliefs, and preserve the unity of our people.
“We cannot allow the indiscriminate construction of temples without following proper procedures,” he said, adding that Chinese temples, churches, mosques and suraus had observed the rules, as had most other Hindu temples.
He warned against allowing “a small group of irresponsible elements” to disrupt harmony in the country.
Anwar said while Islam is the religion of the federation and the majority of the population are Muslims, there should be no attempts to insult the religious practices of others.
He said authorities have been instructed to prevent any misconduct, with enforcement handled by the appropriate agencies, and any cases settled in court. - FMT, 11/2/2026
Temple committee files suit to halt further action pending eviction order
The Sri Uchimalai Muniswaran Temple management wants all parties to cease further demolition of the Rawang site until case is resolved.
The suit was filed by the Sri Uchimalai Muniswaran Temple management at the Shah Alam magistrates’ court this morning.
The temple’s lawyers, Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh Sohanpal, said the suit was filed to safeguard the temple’s interests from the actions of the landowner and third parties in “unlawfully demolishing the temple”.
“As such, it is clear that all parties must immediately cease any further unlawful demolition of the temple pending disposal of the suit in court,” they said in a statement.
On Feb 11, police arrested four men who allegedly tried to demolish the temple.
Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar said an investigation found that the men had demolished part of the Hindu temple without holding any discussion with the temple management or informing the local authorities.
The four were later released.
On Feb 25, Shazeli confirmed that four statues from the temple were relocated with the help of devotees and representatives from the temple’s management and there were no untoward incidents. - FMT, 27/2/2026
UMPSA student to be charged over alleged Quran insult on social media today
KUANTAN: A student from a higher education institution (IPT) suspected of stepping on the Quran and sharing the act on social media is expected to be charged at the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (March 3).
The 21-year-old is expected to be brought to the Kuantan Court Complex at about 8am to face two charges.
The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) said on Monday that he will be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling a sacred object, namely the Quran, by stepping on it with the knowledge that the act was an insult to Islam.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
He will also be charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for initiating an extremely offensive communication with the intent to hurt others via the Threads application.
The offence is punishable by a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
On Feb 25, the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) student was detained to assist investigations into allegations that he had insulted Islam on social media. - Star, 3/3/2026
Firdaus Wong Publishes Private Chats To Prove ‘Quran Stepper’ Converted To Islam
The Malaysian Chinese Islamic activist has published 16 screenshots of private WhatsApp messages with Ryan Vikneswaran — the man at the centre of a national controversy over stepping on the Quran.
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