THANK YOU, TUANKU
JOHOR BARU: Religious groups and community leaders yesterday praised the Sultan of Johor for upholding moderate values and defending secular rights.
Angered by the extremist action of a l aunderette owner who restricted his laundry services exclusively to Muslims, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had on Tuesday ordered t hat t he discriminatory practice be immediately stopped, or risk closure.
In rebuking the launderette owner for the action which he described as totally unacceptable and extremist in nature, the Sultan was quoted as saying that the owner had gone against the vision of a united, harmonious, moderate and tolerant Johor “which is not a Taliban state”.
“If he still insists on carrying on with the Muslim-only practice, he can leave Johor. I suggest he set up shop in Afghanistan,” said the Sultan, who demanded that the man apologise to him and the people of Johor.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said there was basis in the concern of the Sultan that the entrepreneur’s action would lead to a narrow image of Islam, contrary to the country’s desire to nurture a united, harmonious, 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.”
As a country that upholds “Wasatiyyah” (moderation) and champions the Maqasid Syariah foundational goals, Malaysia will remain a moderate Islamic nation practising the moderate way of life as has been t he case since Independence, said Najib.
“I am confident Muslims will continue to uphold this struggle because we all want to see Malaysia progress i nto a successful, r e s p e c t e d a n d e x e mplary country.”
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism vice-president Jagir Singh saluted Sultan Ibrahim for his quick and firm action, and called for all Malaysians to embrace the Ruler’s wise words and act within the scope of Rukun Negara.
“We must ensure a liberal approach to our diverse cultures and traditions, in order to build a progressive society.
“The owner of the launderette was i nconsiderate and had contravened the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara – on ‘mutual respect and good social behaviour’,” he told theSun.
The council’s deputy president Datuk R. S. Mohan Shan said more leaders should have condemned
the act, even before the Sultan spoke out.
The launderette owner yesterday apologised for restricting his laundry services exclusively to Muslims.
The owner, who requested anonymity, said he will seek an audience with Sultan Ibrahim to apologise personally to His Majesty and the people of Johor for his action.
“I regret the issue and I will obey His Majesty’s command,” said the owner, who has since removed his “Mesra Muslim” signboard.
Meanwhile, Muar district officer Noor Azam Osman said he will assist the launderette operator to get an audience with the Sultan.
“I am waiting for the palace to give me an answer,” he said.
Asli Centre for Public Policy Studies chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said Sultan Ibrahim’s stand in not accepting such “nonsense” accurately reflected the feelings of all Malaysians.
He added that the Sultan’s rejection of extremism should be supported and followed by all religious leaders, for the federal and state government and agencies to promote national unity.
MCA religious harmony bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the decree by the Sultan served as a clear indication that religious extremism has no place in Malaysia.
“We are lucky to have a Ruler who is willing to step in and refuse to allow this kind of extremism in our country,” he said.
“Johoreans should be very thankful to have a courageous Ruler who is willing to step out of the norm and intervene.”