Home Minister: Rule of Law Must Prevail After Rawang Temple Demolition, All Houses of Worship Must Be Protected
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding all houses of worship across Malaysia, stressing that any disputes involving religious sites must be resolved strictly through legal channels rather than emotional or unilateral action.
His statement follows public outrage over the destruction of a Hindu temple in Rawang, Selangor, reportedly carried out by a group of individuals late last night. The incident has reignited sensitive discussions surrounding race, religion and land use — issues long recognised as deeply emotive within Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Speaking during the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today, Saifuddin reminded enforcement agencies of their duty to preserve public order and communal harmony, particularly when matters touch on religious sensitivities.
“Issues involving race and religion are highly sensitive. When information is incomplete or poorly communicated, tensions can escalate quickly,” he said.
He emphasised that any question regarding the legality of a house of worship — including matters related to land ownership or planning approval — must be addressed through established legal frameworks.
“If it concerns land use or urban planning compliance, then let it be handled according to the law. We cannot allow any party to take matters into their own hands. That path is dangerous and threatens social harmony,” he warned.
Police Action and Legal Investigation
Authorities have since detained four men in connection with the alleged trespass and demolition of the temple structure. The suspects, aged between 26 and 39, were arrested following a complaint lodged by a local resident.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar confirmed that parts of the temple were demolished without prior engagement or notification to local authorities or relevant parties. Police also seized a backhoe believed to have been used during the incident.
Investigations are being conducted under Sections 427, 295, 504 and 447 of the Penal Code, covering offences related to mischief, damage to places of worship, intentional insult and criminal trespass.
The swift police response comes amid growing public debate over temples allegedly built on private land without formal approval. In recent weeks, certain hardline groups have intensified calls for demolition through coordinated social media campaigns, a development critics argue is driven more by racial sentiment than legitimate regulatory concerns.
Government’s “Just” Approach to Legacy Issues
Saifuddin described the current controversy as a “legacy issue” inherited by the present administration, noting that disputes over land status and houses of worship did not emerge overnight.
“This is not a new matter. It is something we inherited,” he said.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains committed to a fair and fact-based approach.
“Our stance is clear. Any decision must be grounded in facts and the law. Justice must prevail,” he said.
He acknowledged that where houses of worship are found to be non-compliant with legal requirements, corrective measures may be necessary — but such measures must be handled through proper legal procedures and dialogue, not forceful or provocative acts.
Constitutional Protection and Religious Freedom
Reiterating Malaysia’s constitutional guarantees, Saifuddin underscored that freedom of religion remains a protected right under the Federal Constitution. This includes the right of all faith communities to establish and maintain places of worship.
“Houses of worship must be respected and protected,” he said. “Any resolution concerning them must consider the sensitivities of their respective followers.”
The Rawang incident has once again highlighted the delicate balance between legal compliance, land administration and religious harmony in a plural society. Analysts note that how authorities handle the case could influence broader public confidence in Malaysia’s commitment to rule of law and interfaith coexistence.
For now, the Home Minister’s message is unambiguous: enforcement must be guided by law, not sentiment, and communal peace must remain the overriding priority.
-wilayah.com.my
