Respect and tolerance

In a multiracial country like Malaysia, there is simply no room for religious prejudice.

POLITICS has become the mainstay of the media ahead of the general election, but there were two important announcements made by the Sultan of Selangor, towards which most politicians would conveniently cast a blind eye.

They avoid them for political expediency because it doesn’t suit their narrative or they don’t subscribe to it, which is damning either way.

Malaysia certainly needs level-headed and moderate politicians who dare question those who use religion to degrade the country with their personal interpretations of it.

The sentiment of many Malaysians is that this country is on a slippery slope as powerful groups and individuals propagate their religious agenda.

More and more of us, including the predominant Muslims, are feeling stifled as they impose values hardly suitable for multiracial Malaysia.

The recent controversy over the “non-halal” sign in a hotel’s lift, which it used to transport non-halal and perishable items, earned comprehensive coverage from the media.

Rightfully so, after lawyer and social activist Siti Kasim posted the sign and questioned its relevance. The picture had already gone viral on social media before that.

The hotel reportedly said that this is part of the requirement set by the authorities to ensure they receive their halal certification for the hotel’s back-of-house operations, such as the service lift.

Following the uproar, the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) issued a statement about there not being a requirement for the “non-halal” sign to be displayed.

But Jakim said that hotels or premises can establish “any appropriate mechanism in accordance with the procedures set to maintain the integrity of Malaysia’s Halal Certification.”

While it implies no compulsion, it’s also a very general statement. Basically, no business entity wants to run afoul of religious authorities, especially Jakim or Jais, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, or for that matter, similar religious bodies in other states.

These individual officers wield powerful authority by invoking religious decisions. The “non- halal” lift issue isn’t the first and won’t be the last. According to a news report, in 2013, a similar incident unravelled at another hotel in Petaling Jaya. A signboard beside three lifts stated “this elevator is only for transporting halal goods. For non-halal goods please use the staircase”.

Hoteliers have privately voiced their frustrations at this hindrance, which affects costing and even the layout of their establishments.

It means looking for separate lifts, entrances or stairways.

The impression given is that these alternate passages are required even though no signs are required.

In the end, many hoteliers opt to relinquish their non-halal restaurants as the most economical way out. For many, they see it as “coercion” of a different sort, reflecting the erosion of how non-Muslims can practise their way of life and secure their rightful place in this country, which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

But with the glass viewed half full, it can also mean halal-certified restaurants could attract a bigger pool of customers, especially Muslims.

Over the last few weeks, the Sultan of Selangor drove two crucial points home, which is clearly bold of him as head of Islam in the most important state.

He called on Malaysians to practise respect and tolerance to accommodate the differences of the country’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said differences in religion and race shouldn’t prevent Malaysians from living in harmony.

“If the multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities in Malaysia are ready to work together and respect each other’s religious beliefs, Insyallah, all good intentions and efforts in dignifying religion and strengthening close relationships in the community of various religions, cultures and this nation can be attainable,” he said during the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia’s (Ikim) 30th anniversary celebration recently.

It’s important to note that leaders of other faiths were invited to this event, which is certainly commendable.

The Sultan said that from an Islamic standpoint, the existence of a multiracial society is the nature of human events, and our differences shouldn’t be used as an excuse to be cruel or hostile towards the followers of other religions. Earlier, the Ruler had said any muzakarah (religious discussion of an issue) decision must consider the rights and interests of non-Muslims, as legally guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

He emphasised that Malaysia is a multiracial country and that the teachings of Islam showing mercy to all, including those of different faiths, must always be observed.

The Selangor Sultan, who is also the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chairman, said the MKI muzakarah committee played a very important role and function in the Muslim community in Malaysia, and is a tower of legal reference at national and international levels.

He also said, again, that any statement regarding the decision made by the MKI muzakarah committee can only be made by its chairman.

“No other party, including the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) or the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), can make the statement.

“This is important to ensure that muzakarah decisions at the national level and fatwas at the state level are not influenced by elements of party politics,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.

He added that Jakim only acts as the secretariat of the MKI muzakarah committee, advising muftis to refrain from religious disputes in the public domain, especially if the issue had been resolved together in the muzakarah space.

The Sultan added that disputes between muftis and religious experts should not become a public spectacle, as it will only downgrade their authority.

So, many Malaysians can now only rely on our Rulers to bring some semblance of rationale and moderation.

In the past, the Sultan of Johor, for example, lambasted a Muslim-only launderette in his state while the Sultan of Selangor rapped the call to stop Muslims from attending the Japanese cultural festival of Bon Odori. We can clearly tell who our true leaders are.

So, forget our politicians. They’re either too timid or have too much self-interest to speak up against religious extremism or worse, they fuel the fire, especially PAS politicians.

Daulat Tuanku!