PUTRAJAYA: The government is reinforcing governance of non-Muslim houses of worship to ensure proper management, coordination and best practices when handling issues within the existing administrative framework.
The issue was discussed at the strategic meeting on “Harmony and the Management of Non-Muslim Houses of Worship”, co-chaired by Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli on Friday.
The statement said the Housing and Local Government Ministry plays a central role at the federal level in coordinating non-Muslim houses of worship, including through the Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Fund Coordination Unit, which monitors and manages fund allocations.
“All parties are expected to follow Housing and Local Government Ministry guidelines on approving and managing houses of worship,” the statement said, reported Bernama.
The statement said the issue is governed by existing laws, which give local authorities the power to regulate building structures and prevent the unauthorised construction of houses of worship.
“The government will maintain a dialogue platform with religious community representatives to resolve issues through negotiation, shared understanding and unity,” read the statement.
It said the government warned that issues involving religion, race and royal institutions (3R) should not be exploited in ways that threaten social harmony.
“Dialogue, negotiation and mediation will remain the primary approach to managing issues among multi-religious communities, ensuring they are resolved carefully without affecting social harmony and unity,” it said.
Leaders and representatives of Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Sikh and Bahai houses of worship nationwide also attended the meeting.
