Anwar said no individual or group had the right to act based on their own feelings or preferences, adding that the rule of law must be upheld in Malaysia.
“This country must be based on rules and laws, not on the whims and fancies of individuals. You have no right whatsoever to take the law into your own hands,” he said at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year celebration tonight.
This follows recent disputes over houses of worship that allegedly do not comply with regulations, and a campaign to demolish such places of worship being pushed by certain quarters.
It also comes after police arrested four men who allegedly demolished part of a temple in Rawang, Selangor, earlier today. The police also seized a backhoe.
The case is being investigated for mischief, causing damage to a place of worship, insult with intent to breach the peace, and criminal trespass.
Malaysiakini reported that one of the suspects arrested was activist Tamim Dahri, who was among those behind the planned rally against so-called “illegal” houses of worship last Saturday.
Anwar acknowledged that his stance might not be popular with some, but emphasised that no group in the country could operate with complete disregard for laws and regulations.
“Malaysia is a nation of laws. Yes, there are issues, controversies, and differences, but the ultimate priority is to protect stability, uphold the sanctity of our beliefs, and preserve the unity of our people.
“We cannot allow the indiscriminate construction of temples without following proper procedures,” he said, adding that Chinese temples, churches, mosques and suraus had observed the rules, as had most other Hindu temples.
He warned against allowing “a small group of irresponsible elements” to disrupt harmony in the country.
Anwar said while Islam is the religion of the federation and the majority of the population are Muslims, there should be no attempts to insult the religious practices of others.
He said authorities have been instructed to prevent any misconduct, with enforcement handled by the appropriate agencies, and any cases settled in court.