PETALING JAYA: The faith of Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) members will not be affected by going to places of worship of other religions, says Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pic).
The Muda president said that his party members never had problems working together for community programmes.
"Our Youth wing members, regardless of religion or race, cleaned mosques, temples, temples, churches, gurdwaras and other places of worship during the flood clean-up.
"I am sure that for those (Muda members) who are Muslims, their faith was not affected in the slightest to the point of changing their religion," he said in a statement on Friday (March 17).
He said this referring to a media statement issued by Selangor exco member Tuan Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni on March 14.
"I strongly disagree with the statement that regulations have stipulated that any programme involving Muslims in other religious houses of worship was strictly prohibited and that the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) always monitors and will takes action against any party that violates the rules outlined under Section 5 and Section 6 of the Selangor State Non-Islamic Religion Enactment (Control of Development Among Muslims) 1988.
"Our country is a country with a diverse society, with multiple races and religions. Programmes and efforts to fuel harmony and understanding between the people should be well received by all parties at all levels," he said, adding that his party consists of members from various backgrounds.
He said as a representative of the people, he had also visited the houses of worship of other religions many times and can say that there was no agenda to affect Islam in this country.
"I was invited because I represent my people without having to care what their religion is, what their race is, and what their political beliefs are. Their welfare is my responsibility.
"Therefore, I would like to ask if this enactment will be applied to the great leaders of the country as well if they visit these houses of worship," he questioned.
Syed Saddiq added that Malaysia was strong because of unity and with this unity comes prosperity.
