Malaysian politician warns against stirring racial tension over temple demolition

Datuk Rozabil Abd. Rahman, chairman of the Perlis UMNO liaison committee, has cautioned Jelutong Member of Parliament RSN Rayer against making statements that could incite racial unrest regarding the demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple in Bukit Lagi, Perlis.

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This demolition issue is not about religion but involves legal provisions that all Malaysians must comply with. Rayer as a legal practitioner should understand this.

Rozabil asserted that the demolition adhered to proper legal procedures and was not a matter of religious persecution. He explained that the Local Authority or state government has the right to demolish structures on land designated for recreational purposes. "This demolition issue is not about religion but involves legal provisions that all Malaysians must comply with," Rozabil stated, adding that Rayer, as a legal practitioner, should understand this.

He further emphasized that adherence to the law is paramount. Rozabil noted that in Perlis, places of worship for all communities have historically been respected as long as they followed procedures and laws. He criticized the reaction to the demolition, suggesting that those who build without considering regulations become upset when enforcement occurs.

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For a long time, those of us who live and work in the countryside have felt that these acts went unpunished. Today, Congress has the opportunity to settle a debt with thousands of producers who invest, generate employment, and produce food for Argentina and the world.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Perlis PAS Ulama Council, Ahmad Adnan Fadzil, affirmed that Islam recognizes the rights of followers of other religions to practice their faith and establish places of worship according to law. However, he stressed that this right does not exempt anyone from legal obligations. "All parties, regardless of religion and race, must respect the laws related to land ownership, development, and the construction of places of worship," he said, urging that disputes be resolved through legal channels and peaceful negotiation rather than religious or racial sentiment.

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All parties, regardless of religion and race, must respect the laws related to land ownership, development, and the construction of places of worship.