KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that he will attend the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a mosque in Jalan Masjid India tomorrow despite criticisms by certain non-governmental organisations.
“I will go ahead and place the foundation stone for the mosque on the 27th,” the Prime Minister said in his speech at the 218th Police Day celebration yesterday.
Anwar said the need for a new mosque to be built there was due to the overcapacity of surrounding mosques in the area.
“The prayer space in mosques around the area are crowded. There is a need for a new place,” he said.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the relocation of Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple to a new site should not be considered a precedent for other places of worship, adding this was specific to this case alone.
“All new places of worship must comply with established guidelines and regulations to ensure public harmony and order.
“The government urges all parties, including leaders and the community, not to manipulate this issue by playing on racial and religious sentiments. This polemic should be put to rest immediately,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Zaliha said following discussions with various parties, including the temple representatives, a new site had been identified for the relocation, situated near its original location.
She said the new site covers an area of 371.6sq m, equivalent to the size of the existing temple.
“The government reassures that no demolition will be carried out on the existing temple structure.
“The temple will continue to operate as usual until the relocation process is fully completed in a harmonious manner,” she said.
Dr Zaliha added that the government remained committed to respecting the rights and beliefs of all religious communities while ensuring that every decision made is fair, inclusive and prioritises collective interest.
“The government reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principle of religious freedom, as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution while ensuring that public interests and the rule of law are preserved.
“Every decision made is based on the spirit of goodwill and harmony of a multicultural society,” she said.
