A group of Muslim NGOs has taken the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim (MCCBCHST) to task for urging the authorities to halt the slaughter of cows in schools and public places.

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) and Malaysian Muslim Malaysian Ulama Association (PUM)

in a joint statement called on the MCCBCHST not to pick up on "petty issues" that would embarrass the communities in Malaysia.

hari raya haji, slaughtering of cows, korban "MCCBCHST should appreciate the tolerance of Muslims, who do not interfere in the internal affairs of other religions," Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman said.

The interfaith council, he added, should reciprocate the tolerance practised by the Muslim community towards members of other faiths.

"MCCBCHST should give its cooperation, just as Muslims cooperate with Hindus who celebrate Thaipusam, Chinese who celebrate the lantern festival and Taoists who celebrate the hungry ghost festival and similar celebrations."

hari raya haji, slaughtering of cows, korban The Muslim coalition was responding to the MCCBCHST statement  expressing concern over the locations of the slaughter of cows, especially during a school day in full view of a multiracial and multicultural student population.

The slaughter, the council said, ignored the sensitivity of school-going children and the larger mixed Malaysian society that consists of Hindus as well, who view the cow as a sacred animal.

The ritual slaughter is usually done on mosque grounds but there have been plans for it to be held on the premises of at least two schools in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Malaysiakini understands that the scheduled rituals have been called off due to inadequate facilities.