PETALING JAYA: G25 Malaysia has expressed grave concern over a planned rally over claims of “illegal” houses of worship, warning that oversimplifying the issue could inflame racial and religious tensions.
In a statement on Saturday (Feb 7), the group of eminent Malays said the rally, scheduled for Saturday night, appears likely to proceed despite calls by the government and authorities for it to be cancelled.
G25 said while it upholds the constitutional right to freedom of assembly under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, this right is not absolute and may be subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of security and public order.
“The rhetoric and statements by the movement’s proponents have been called out as insensitive and risk unsettling fragile interracial and interreligious relations in the country,” it said.
The group stressed that repeatedly referring to “illegal temples” reduces a complex issue to a simplistic framing, noting that disputes over houses of worship often involve historical background, land ownership and administrative factors.
It pointed out that civil society and rights organisations have long called for context-sensitive engagement on the legal status of such sites, highlighting that many long-standing temples were established by estate communities decades ago.
“Simplistic framing can fuel misunderstanding and tensions,” G25 said.
The group added that confrontational messages linked to the rally could heighten public anxiety and shift attention away from lawful and inclusive solutions.
The organisation also cautioned that Malaysia’s past episodes of racial strife remain a painful reminder.
Given the proximity of the planned gathering and heightened sensitivities, G25 urged authorities to take necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety and order.
These include clearly communicating any conditions for permitting an assembly, taking swift action against incitement to violence, and engaging organisers to prevent escalation.
“Preventive steps taken in good faith to avert violence, intimidation and unrest, consistent with constitutional principles and the rule of law, should be endeavoured,” it said.
G25 also called on organisers, political leaders and the public to act responsibly and exercise restraint, stressing that discussions involving places of worship must be conducted with sensitivity in Malaysia’s plural society.
“Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, and it must be preserved through peaceful, respectful engagement that promotes understanding,” it added.
