Malaysia sultans stop ‘laundry disparity’

Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 11: Malaysia’s nine state sultans have issued a rare statement expressing concern about “divisive actions” in the name of Islam, as fears grow of rising intolerance in the multi-ethnic country.

Referring to a controversy last month over laundrettes in two states which banned non-Muslim customers, the revered sultans urged people to follow principles set out in the country’s Constitution which say respect must be accorded to everyone regardless of their faith or ethnicity.

“The Malay Rulers take very seriously the issues of unity and harmony among the citizens of this multiethnic and multi-religious country,” they said in a joint statement Tuesday.

The statement said recent actions of certain individuals had “gone beyond all acceptable standards late of decency”, and that such actions could be damaging “when they are erroneously associated with or committed in the name of Islam”.

The laundrettes in the states of Johor and Perlis eventually agreed to serve all customers regardless of their religion after they were condemned by the state sultans. “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,” the sultans said.