SHAH ALAM, Feb 9 — The federal government has granted local councils the authority to act against houses of worship that are built illegally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
He said firm action would be taken against the construction of temples that violate existing laws, including those developed on privately-owned land.
“I hereby announce that our decision is to no longer allow (houses of worship) that do not follow the law.
"Local authorities are given the authority to take action to 'clean up' areas that are not lawfully owned, including temples, so that this issue can be resolved properly," he said during the National Unity Ministry monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.
His remarks come amid recent controversies surrounding the encroachment of several non-Muslim houses of worship, including in Selangor.
One of the cases involved three temples that were illegally built on Islamic cemetery land in PJS 4, Petaling Jaya. The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has given the parties involved until March 31 to vacate the gazetted site or face enforcement action.
Another case involved the illegal construction of a house of worship on a private land in Dengkil, Sepang, which was also found to have used an unauthorised electricity connection from a nearby billboard.
Anwar said the issue of illegal temples is not unique during his administration and has persisted for decades.
However, he said Putrajaya's stand is clear: The construction of houses of worship is only permitted if it complies with the law.
"Should we look for solutions? Yes. Should we recognise and respect all religions in the country? Yes. But should we grant permission to illegal houses of worship? No, and that is clear."
The prime minister also urged agitators to act by the rule and not take matters into their own hands, noting that some have campaigned to demolish the temples.
"That is wrong, it's not your job. We are a nation of law. If you want to play hero and be an Islamic advocate, do your dakwah properly and demonstrate good character.
"There are also other groups that appear to defend (the act of constructing illegal temples). Please act by the law. If you want to negotiate, then do it properly."
