Laundrette issue raises concern
Some fear it will only lead to more narrow-minded decisions
PETALING JAYA: The Muslimfriendly policy adopted by a self-service laundrette in Muar, Johor, has raised concern that it will lead to more narrow-minded decisions that will not augur well for multicultural Malaysia.
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said the development was very troubling.
“We have to curb such extremism if we are to build a peaceful and progressive multicultural Malaysia. This must be a misinterpretation of Islamic teaching,” he said in an Instagram post yesterday.
Similar view was voiced by Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin, who feared that it would lead to extremism and the incapability of people to live in a multiracial society.
He said Islamic teachings were not meant to burden the people but to make things easier for them.
Pictures of the launderette went viral last week when it was reported that a sign said only Muslims were allowed to use its machines.
“I’m worried that someone might come up with the idea urging Muslims not to use currency notes that have been used by non-Muslims.
“These narrow-minded people may think and assume that it is unclean after they (the notes) had changed hands,” he said via WhatsApp.
Sisters in Islam (SIS) also expressed its disappointment over the matter, saying it would further segregate Malaysia’s various religious communities.
SIS said as Malaysians, the people needed to be guided by the country’s Constitution which prohibited discrimination based on faith, among others.
The move will surely be seen by non-Muslims as a form of discrimination against them, it said.
It urged Johor religious authorities and leaders to take a moderate and enlightened approach to this, advising tolerance and communitybuilding.
“It is very alarming that week upon week, we witness a growing number of incidences where there is discrimination premised on the Islamic faith,” it added.
Johor Prince Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim has also expressed dismay over the laundrette’s move.
“Is this for real? I’m appalled,” he said in an Instagram post.
“Islam has taught me about tolerance and respecting people of other faith, not about supremacy over others,” said Tunku Idris in another Instagram post.