KUALA LUMPUR: Political leaders should not be mere champions of their own community, as doing so will polarise the country and destroy it, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Masjid Madani in Jalan Masjid India here yesterday, Anwar said the achievement of the consensus to relocate a Hindu temple on the land meant for the mosque is a mirror of how government leaders – both Muslims and non-Muslims – spoke up for all communities while upholding Islamic values.
He said his orders throughout the process of trying to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple on land belonging to Jakel Group were for all parties to be kind and considerate to all communities.
Prior to the settlement, the temple committee claimed the temple had existed there for over 130 years.
Following negotiations, the temple committee agreed to be relocated 50m away.
On Masjid Madani, Anwar said the name was chosen for the mosque as the word encapsulated “civilisation”.
“My orders to those involved to settle the matter were to discuss kindly, as the settlement would reflect the Madani concept of caring for all communities.
“However, they were not to budge from the decision to build the mosque.
“Our success in settling this matter should not be a reason for us to be arrogant but a reflection of our Islamic values of being compassionate and kind.
“If everyone plays the hero of his community, it would destroy the country. We should be Malaysian leaders.
“This is a mosque in the city, and civilisation is said to begin from the city. Furthermore, the word Madani also comes from the word ‘madinah’ (city),” said Anwar.
To be completed in two years, the four-storey mosque will be able to accommodate around 2,900 worshippers at any one time, including 592 in the main prayer hall on the first floor.
In addition to a prayer space, the mosque on the 1,128sq m (12,142sq ft) plot will also feature an event hall and offices, among others.
In his opening speech, Jakel Group managing director Datuk Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel said the mosque was the dream of his late father, Mohamed Jakel Ahmad.
“We acquired the land in 2012 and had waited for 11 years to build this mosque. We managed to get the approval for the building plans from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall in 2021.
“We were advised not to resort to legal action against the temple by (Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and we then agreed.
“This mosque is not to replace the surrounding mosques of Masjid India or the IPD Dang Wangi surau but to cater to the community of Muslims who need the mosque for prayers,” said Mohamed Faroz.
