Perlis mufti Juanda Jaya has joined several Muslim NGOs in criticising the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim (MCCBCHST) for its call that the authorities stop the slaughtering of cows in schools and public places.

Describing it as an "extreme action" that had interfered in Muslim affairs, Juanda cautioned that such calls may invite reciprocal action from other quarters.

hari raya haji, slaughtering of cows, korban "I'm disappointed with MCCBCHST's official statement that directs Muslims not to make public sacrifice. This is clearly directing the rituals of other religions.

"It is better not to interfere.

"If there is any unhappiness or disturbance, it is better to resolve it behind closed doors. Malaysians have achieved independence and lived peacefully for so long, so don't make it an issue," Juanda said in a statement yesterday.

The Oxford University fellow was responding to the MCCBCHST statement released last Saturday - the eve of Aidiladha, expressing concern about places where cows are slaughtered, especially during school days 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.

The the MCCBCHST statement also immediately drew protest from several Muslim NGOs.

dr juanda jaya perlis mufti candidate 081106 Juanda ( left ) added: "As the members of an intellectual association, they should have been wiser, not fanning extremism and interfering in the affairs of other religions.

"There are already enough extreme groups in Malaysia, so please do not increase (their numbers). Thank you."

MCCBCHST's statement was also lambasted by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mashitah Ibrahim.

According to a report published in Malay daily Berita Harian today, the senator said the council does not respect the rights of Muslims in practising their rituals and the position of Islam as Malaysia's official religion.

"To me, the issue was purposely created to raise racial sentiment. The ritual of sacrifice has been practiced for a long time and has never been questioned by any party.

"In a multi-racial society, other religions should respect the rights of Islam like how Muslims respect the rights and freedom of non-Muslims. This issue should not have arisen if all ethnic groups respect each other and understand the spirit of living in a multi-racial society," Berita Harian quotes Mashitah as saying.