Extremism not condoned in a tolerant society, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: The Muar launderette owner’s apology over his “Muslims only” signage should be well-received, the Prime Minister said, while the Cabinet decided that extremism in the country will not be condoned.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the action was in line with the view of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

He said there was basis in the Sultan’s concern that the entrepreneur’s action would lead to a narrow image of Islam, contrary to the country’s desire to nurture a united, moderate and tolerant society.

“The Government will remain committed to upholding true Islamic teachings while protecting the interests of other communities as demanded of Islam,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said after the Cabinet meeting that the Government did not agree with having any Muslim-only launderette.

“I am relieved that the launderette decided to take down the discriminatory sign,” Dr Wee told a press conference.

Dr Wee said it was “unfortunate” that the owner felt compelled to resume serving non-Muslims only after a royal rebuke from the Sultan of Johor.

On a separate matter, Dr Wee hit out at the Selangor government’s ruling political parties for not having a unanimous stand over The Better Beer Festival 2017.

“PAS and Amanah have been staunchly against hosting such events but then PKR has not made its stand very clear.

“Instead we have a PKR leader (religious strengthening and understanding bureau deputy chairman Amidi Abdul Manan) saying it should have been banned from the get go, but PKR deputy president and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali simply said organisers should get approval from local councils to host the festival.