PETALING JAYA: The Malay Rulers today hit out at 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 were 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,” they said in a statement today.
The owner of the Johor laundrette came under heavy fire after reports surfaced that he had put up a sign saying “Only For Muslims” outside his shop.
The issue sparked intense debate on social media and earned the operator a reprimand from Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who told the owner to open his laundry in Afghanistan if he wanted to continue with his Muslims-only business policy.
“I cannot accept this nonsense. This is Johor, which belongs to Bangsa Johor and it belongs to all races and faiths. This is a progressive, modern and moderate state.
“This is not a Taliban state and as the Head of Islam in Johor, I find this action to be totally unacceptable as this is extremist in nature,” Sultan Ibrahim had said.
The Malay Rulers said they “greatly appreciated” the strong stance of Sultan Ibrahim, as well as the stance taken by the Raja Muda of Perlis in the other case.
“The positions of His Majesty and His Royal Highness in these instances demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that Muslims behave with respect, moderation and inclusiveness, in a country which is home to people of many different ethnic groups and religions.”
They added that they took “very seriously” the issues of unity and harmony among Malaysians, and that it was imperative that all citizens adhere to the core principles of the Federal Constitution, which was drafted based on the understanding that Malaysia is a country whose citizens are of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, and that all must be respected.
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