Taman Medan residents have mixed views on church

PETALING JAYA: Residents of Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya have mixed views on a new church that recently started operating in the neighbourhood.

Some had no problems with the church while others said it had no right to operate there as the area was a Muslim majority area.

Rosnah Mohd Yusof, 50, a manager at a fast food outlet said that she had no problem with the church operating there and that faith was a personal thing.   

“Everyone has their own beliefs and who are we to deny someone from practising their own religion,” she told The Star Online on Monday.

Van driver Mat Tahir Abdul Rahman, 60, also pointed out that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country 

“As long as they don’t disturb anyone, then I don’t see a problem. Those who are strong in their faith wouldn’t feel challenged by the sight of a cross,” he said.  

A group of about 50 demonstrators had gathered outside a church in Taman Medan on Sunday to protest against a cross on the church’s building.

They had demanded for the cross to be taken down, claiming that it challenged Islam.

Housewife Juraida Jaffar, 48, told The Star Online that most Muslim residents objected to the church.

“We are afraid that our people will be influenced by their teachings. This is a Muslim area and the church doesn’t belong here. We strongly object to the church being here,” said the mother of nine children.

She added that they would continue to demonstrate against the church if it continued operating there.  

Asmadi Sulaiman, 37, said that the residents had objected to the church as it had started operating without informing anyone of its intentions.

“Most of the residents here are Muslims, so their views have to be taken into account,” he said. 

He said that while he personally had no problems with the church, he did object those who tried to propagate their religion through children.

“My child who is only eight once brought home a pamphlet propagating another religion. I am really against that,” he said.  

When the The Star Online made checks on the church that is located on the first floor of a shoplot, we found that the grill to the steps leading to it was padlocked.   

The church is located in the vicinity of a few low cost flats in Taman Medan.

Most of the shoplots in the Metro Square where the church is located are empty with sale and to let signs outside them.  

 

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