YOURSAY ‘What if the surau had complied with building by-laws? Would it make a difference?'

Kota Tinggi council orders resort to demolish surau

your say Swipenter: First it was the religious bigots who wanted the surau demolished because of spiritual "contamination". Maybe after hearing why it should not be demolished from wise and learned Muslims they had a "change" of heart.

Then in comes the Kota Tinggi Municipal Council with their findings that the surau was built illegally (I wonder how long this illegal surau was used by Muslims for their spiritual needs and obligations.)

By the way, did the council officers check whether all the other buildings in the resort complied with all the building laws and by-laws of the council in accordance with the approval permits?

When all is said and done, they are hell-bent on demolishing the surau just to show others who is the ‘ketuanan' boss in this Bolehland.

I suggest they further ring the land now occupied by the surau because it can be also be contaminated by the foreign Buddhists meditating on it.

Durio Zibethinus: What if the surau had complied with building by-laws? Would it make a difference? Don't use the wrong law for the wrong purpose. Bad governance gives Islam a bad name.

Senior Citizen: I don't understand what is the fuss all about. Was there an element of crime that amounts to sedition? None.

The resort belongs to someone. He used his kindness to let some people use the premises for an innocent purpose and that, too, for meditation. So what's wrong with that?

If a Muslim friend comes to my home to spend a few days and he wants to pray, I will say sure no problem. Now, if there is a holy altar at my place, am I supposed to remove the altar just for him to pray?

Papspulus: Well said, Senior Citizen. Most of my friends are Muslims and not even one agrees with what is happening in this instance. They are angry but choose to keep quite for reasons best known to them. May God bless us all.

Gen2indian: I have had many Muslim friends stay overnight in my house many times over the years. They have used my guest room downstairs to pray. Kiblat? No problem, apps available on smartphone.

If my friends make a police report against me, will my house be torn down? Oh God, what has Malaysia become.

God Save Us: Why demolish only the surau? Did the municipal council check for other non-approved buildings or extensions within the resort? What the heck, why not just tear down the whole resort. It has all been tainted with meditative energy.

Rick Teo: If only we have a leader who can just end all these stupidity. Weak Najib Abdul Razak does not dare to utter a single word.

All those idiots should have ther brains checked to see if they are sane. I never dreamt the day would come when we descend to such stupidity.

Kadaram: Why demolish, give it to other religions to use. And build a new surau. It will save resources.

Fateh: Believers of all religions are taught to love and tolerate one another, but not hate others of different faith. God has created mankind with so much love, but has mankind learnt?

Jstom: Can the words 'demolish' be interpreted to mean to take away all semblance that the building is a surau and declare it as a multipurpose hall for non-Muslim use? I'm sure later the council will still ask 'where is the surau for the Muslim staff'?

Anonymous #40470306: If this building was constructed without council approval, then it is unlikely that it has been legally gazetted as an Islamic place of worship.

So the owner has not committed any wrongdoing in so far as "insult and insensitivity to Islam" is concerned and revoking of his PR (permanent resident status) was wrong.

JustAMalaysian: Does the local council have the legal power to order the owner of any building which has complied with building law/by-law and issued with a Certificate of Fitness (CF) and which does not pose any danger to the public (as a result of landslide, earthquake, bomb, etc)?

Is the council in this case acting within its power? I would appreciate it if a lawyer can enlighten me on this.

Apa Ini?: What more do the fanatics want? Fine the owner, tear down the surau and perhaps close the resort?

The workers there and businesses associated with the resort will suffer and a few fanatics will smile with satisfaction that their views have won the day.

MatrixLYN: While they are at it, perhaps we should also declare war against Singapore to demand them to hand over the monk and the 21 Singaporeans. Najib finally has a chance to use his submarines.

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