New rule for non-Muslim places of worship makes no sense - Saravanan

The Housing and Local Government Ministry’s decision to limit how frequently non-Muslim places of worship can apply for government allocations is unreasonable, said MIC deputy president M Saravanan.

This followed Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu’s announcement in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday that non-Muslim places of worship that have received allocations can only reapply after three years.

This is intended to ensure more non-Muslim places of worship benefit from the ministry’s allocations.

“The new regulation on allocations for non-Muslim places of worship sounds foolish, illogical, and nonsensical,” Saravanan told Malaysiakini yesterday.

“The Indian community is already disappointed with the federal government for failing to address socio-economic challenges.

“This regulation will clearly reduce support, especially from the Indian community, for the Madani government.”

Don’t overlook contributions

Saravanan added the government should not overlook the contributions of the Indian community to the nation’s development and prosperity.

“Irrational decisions like this by (the ministry) will anger the Indian and non-Muslim communities. Do not disrespect non-Muslim places of worship.

“It is crucial for authorities to act fairly and responsibly. Most Hindu temples face financial constraints. Why impose such regulations now to amend guidelines for applying for government funding?

“Sufficient funds should be allocated based on the need to facilitate repairs, maintenance, and emergency works for non-Muslim places of worship. Such rules will only deprive places of worship that truly need assistance,” he said.

READ MORE | All non-Muslim worship houses eligible for annual maintenance aid: Nga

He added that such regulations would only burden places of worship that genuinely require help.

“If the government is truly concerned about fund misuse, it could deploy assessment and monitoring teams to evaluate before disbursing funds.

“The ministry must immediately halt its plan to amend funding application guidelines for non-Muslim places of worship.

“It is the government’s duty to treat all places of worship fairly and provide assistance,” he said.

Separately, Malaysian Indian Progressive Party (MIPP) deputy president S Subramaniam urged the Housing and Local Government Ministry to reconsider the new regulation.

“There is no need for such new rules. If you suspect any place of worship is misusing government funds, just blacklist that particular place.

“Don’t punish everyone because of one or two cases,” he said.

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