By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, June 16 — The Selangor government is open to reviewing the state's non-Muslim houses of worship (RIBI) guidelines, provided any such efforts are undertaken responsibly and free from political agendas.
Special Committee of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Tao Religions in Selangor (LIMAS) co-chairman Papparaidu Veraman said he personally had no objection to a review if the state deemed improvements necessary to ensure the guidelines remained relevant to current circumstances and evolving needs.
He acknowledged that long-term policies should be periodically reviewed to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Papparaidu also expressed confidence that under the leadership of Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, any proposed amendments would be carefully considered, taking into account the views of all stakeholders as well as the need to preserve harmony among Selangor's diverse racial and religious communities.
"The state government remains open to listening to the views of all parties in order to ensure that interfaith and interethnic harmony continues to be safeguarded.
"However, any proposal for improvement must be made responsibly, constructively and not driven solely by political interests," he said in a statement posted on Facebook yesterday.
Papparaidu was responding to calls from several parties urging a review of the RIBI guidelines, which were first introduced in 2005.
He questioned why these concerns had not been raised when those making the calls were part of the state government.
"If the guidelines are genuinely considered problematic or no longer suitable, then those who previously served in government should also explain why no comprehensive review was undertaken during their tenure, when they had the opportunity and capacity to implement changes."
Papparaidu urged discussions on the matter to be guided by facts and the spirit of mutual respect that has long underpinned Selangor's multicultural society.
Previously, on June 6, Papparaidu clarified several misconceptions surrounding the RIBI guidelines.
Among other things, he said claims that non-Islamic places of worship would no longer be allowed direct access from major roads were inaccurate, as the requirement for service roads was based solely on traffic management and public safety considerations.
"Religious premises located along major roads often attract large crowds during festivals and special occasions, which may result in traffic congestion and safety risks."
Papparaidu also dismissed claims that shrines at construction sites would be demolished, clarifying that the guidelines only covered temporary structures used during development, which were expected to be relocated once permanent places of worship had been completed.
He added that the proposed planning guidelines for non-Muslim houses of worship were intended to ensure orderly development while upholding religious freedom, and urged the public not to be misled by inaccurate information.
