The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said the statement issued by the Malay Rulers on Tuesday reiterated the supremacy of our Federal Constitution which embodies the founding principles of our nation.
“We greatly respect the rulers for this timely statement, when the nation is faced with a real threat of extreme racial and religious polarisation.
“The recent ‘Muslims-only laundry’ issue had definitely taken the nation by surprise,” MCCBCHST president Mohan Shan said, referring to the issue which was criticised by the Sultan of Johor, who ordered the business owner to stop such a practice.
“We would have expected such a statement to come from political leaders but unfortunately they chose to remain silent.”
On Tuesday, the Malay Rulers issued a statement condemning recent controversies including that of the Muslims-only laundrette in Johor and a similar establishment in Perlis, saying such acts went “beyond all acceptable standards of decency”.
Adding that these actions put at risk the harmony within Malaysia’s multi-religious and multiracial society, they said the damaging implications of such acts became more severe when they are erroneously associated with or committed in the name of Islam.
“As a religion that encourages its followers to be respectful, moderate and inclusive, the reputation of Islam must not ever be tainted by the divisive actions of certain groups or individuals which may lead to rifts among the rakyat,” the rulers said.
Mohan warned against leaving the current situation unchecked as it will only see things getting worse.
“If our political leadership fails to act decisively in weeding out negative elements, we will consciously put our existence at stake.
“The peace and stability which we enjoy today can only be sustained if our politicians choose to preserve it.
“Differences in religious ideologies and varying viewpoints are bound to exist but we must continue to respect each other’s existence,” he said, adding that despite talk of unity and harmony the country is regressing at the same time.
Mohan said with the country celebrating its 60th Merdeka Day, the recent turn of events is disturbing.
“What disappoints us is the fact that after 60 years, instead of moving forward from tolerating to celebrating our diversity, we have shown clear signs of disunity.
“Fundamental to any multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation’s growth is the unity among its people,” he said.
Mohan added that if the political leadership fails to act decisively in weeding out negative elements, the nation’s existence would be at risk.
“MCCBCHST recognises that differences in religious ideologies and varying viewpoints are bound to exist but we must continue to respect each other’s existence.”
Mohan also said the country’s reputation as one that has fostered a peaceful co-existence among its multiracial, multi-religious people for decades must be maintained.
“Guided by the profound philosophy of Rukun Negara, supported by core principles of our constitution and steered by great leadership, together we have demonstrated to the world that people of diverse racial and religious backgrounds can live in harmony, work together and build a great nation, apt to the tagline, Malaysia is Truly Asia.
“For the benefit of our future generations, it is now our responsibility to continue with this journey which was started by our elders,” he said adding that to achieve success we must begin to celebrate and not merely tolerate our differences.