Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has emphasised the importance of mutual respect when dealing with religious matters, including issues related to temples, to avoid misunderstandings and promote national unity.
In a Facebook post today, the King highlighted that Islam stresses mutual respect among all people and does not stop followers of other faiths from practising their beliefs and forms of worship.
Mutual Respect Essential
“Followers of other religions should also show respect towards Islam,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim cautioned against turning such matters into political issues, stressing that they must be resolved through proper legal channels and laws governing the construction of mosques, churches, and temples.
He recalled his role in mediating a temple demolition case in Johor in January 2018.
“I resolved the matter amicably and advised all parties involved to always comply with the law to avoid any untoward incidents and protect the public peace,” he said.
Audience at Istana Negara
The King made these remarks after granting an audience to national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang at Istana Negara.
The temple issue has drawn attention in recent weeks, with several politicians from the Hindu community urging calm and restraint.
A planned rally against allegedly illegal temples last Saturday did not proceed after police arrested several individuals who intended to go ahead despite orders to cancel the protest.
On Monday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the federal government has given local councils the authority to take action against any house of worship built deliberately in violation of the law.
He added that no further construction of non-compliant religious buildings would be allowed.
Anwar also appealed to state governments to set aside political differences and align with the federal decision on handling illegal houses of worship.
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