Anwar: Rule of Law Must Prevail in Houses of Worship Disputes, No Vigilante Action Allowed
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that disputes involving houses of worship must be addressed strictly within the framework of the law, warning that no individual or group has the authority to take matters into their own hands.
Speaking at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year celebration last night, Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia is fundamentally a nation governed by law, and that this principle must not be compromised, especially in matters touching on religion.
“This country is built upon the rule of law. We are a nation of laws.
“Yes, there are disagreements, there are controversies, there are differences of opinion. But our overriding responsibility is to safeguard stability, preserve the sanctity of our faiths and maintain unity,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened debate over several religious and regulatory issues in Selangor and other states.
Balance Between Law and Respect
Anwar noted that issues such as houses of worship built without proper approval and proposals involving pig farm development have become sensitive public topics.
While acknowledging these concerns, he stressed that all matters must be handled with due process and mutual respect.
“We all know the rules — what is permitted and what is not. But we must address these matters properly and respectfully.
“There should be no insults directed at Islam as the religion of the Federation and the faith of the majority. At the same time, there must also be no disparaging views against the practices and beliefs of other communities,” he said.
The prime minister’s statement reflects the government’s position that legal compliance and interfaith respect must go hand in hand.
Anwar underscored that preserving national harmony requires restraint, adherence to established regulations, and an understanding that Malaysia’s plural society depends on both constitutional safeguards and mutual tolerance.
His message was clear: enforcement and disagreements must remain within institutional channels, not street-level actions driven by emotion.
-wilayah.com.my
