Uphold integrity even in difficult situations

TIME and again, we see and hear the statement: “We live in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.” It is very true in our beloved country but we have to realise that living in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society doesn’t give us the right to build religious buildings, be it a Hindu temple, Chinese tokong, mosque or church, on land that does not belong to us without the consent of the owner or owners.

We have to realise that it is also a sin to take away property from the owner of the land, be it a corporation, individual or the state government, by using religious sentiments. By the way, I am not supporting the corporation or the use of thugs to settle disputes; this is just my honest opinion.

If every religious group in our country were to have their way in building their places of worship on any state land, estates, private land or open public spaces without proper approval/consent, we would have unnecessary and wasteful disputes in court, hinder essential development and, God forbid, create racial tension or violence.

A simple reminder to our minister: take a stand which is right by our country’s laws and not based on emotion or religious considerations that may gain you the popular vote. Doing things the right way might make you unpopular and lose you some votes in the process but always remember that integrity is better than popularity.

FREDAHMED Kuala Lumpur