PUTRAJAYA: The National Unity Ministry is of the view that the management of Hindu endowments is better handled by state governments, as it is closely linked to the ownership and administration of land for the construction and management of temples.
The ministry said that although matters relating to Hindu endowments fall under federal jurisdiction, they are directly connected to land matters, which are under state authority.
Hindu endowments are provided for under Item 15(c) of the Federal List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, while land matters fall under state jurisdiction as stipulated in Item 2 of the State List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
"This approach is important to ensure that the management and administration of Hindu endowments can be carried out legally, systematically, and in accordance with the applicable state laws,” it said in a statement on Thursday (March 5).
The ministry explained that this approach has been implemented through the establishment of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board, where, although the enabling law was enacted by the federal government at the time, the authority to establish the board was given to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
Accordingly, the ministry said that if the Hindu community in any state sees a need to establish a Hindu endowment board, the proposal can be submitted to the respective state government.
The proposal can then be brought up through the Council of Ministers for Unity together with the State Ministers of Unity for Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the State Executive Councillors for Unity (MExUnity).
"The federal government is committed to considering such proposals and enacting the appropriate legislation for their establishment.
"This is also in line with Article 11(3) of the Federal Constitution, which provides that every religious group has the right to hold and manage their property according to the law,” the statement said.
According to the National Unity Ministry, the Madani government is committed to safeguarding freedom of religion while ensuring harmony and unity among the country’s multi-religious communities.
"This approach reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to promote mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance of religious diversity as a fundamental basis for national stability and well-being,” it added. — Bernama
