KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has today expressed his firmness against, and concern over, the practice by certain preachers who belittle and disparage other faiths, especially on social media.
“On platforms such as Instagram, certain individuals may present themselves in a particular way, for instance, by having a beard. But when I observe their behaviour, it is clear that they should not belittle other religions,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in an exclusive interview with The Star.
“This is why I have consistently emphasised in Friday sermons (khutbah Jumaat) across Selangor that no religion should be belittled.
“However, it is acceptable to share with the public the differences between religions,” the Sultan said.
His Royal Highness stressed the importance of unity among the nation’s multiracial and multireligious communities, stating that while “Islam is the official religion in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia … the rights of all races and religions to practise are enshrined in the Constitution”.
Therefore, said the Sultan, the people of Selangor must never allow any forms of extremism to grow.
“I will not tolerate those who exploit religion for their own agendas. I will personally keep an eye on such individuals,” said the Ruler.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed pride in Klang’s diverse heritage where temples, churches and mosques exist in close proximity.
“We have many religious sites in Klang. I want to ensure that the areas remain harmonious. There are mosques, Chinese and Hindu temples, Indian Muslim places of worship, and now even a Chinese Muslim mosque.
“There is harmony in these areas, which reflects our acceptance of different religions within the state,” he said.
A mosque for all
The Chinese Muslim mosque mentioned by the Sultan will be officially opened today, as reported by The Star.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the Chinese Muslim community in Klang had requested for a house of worship that would feature exquisite Chinese architecture.
“They wanted to build a mosque but I told them to please take their architects to Xi’an, which is the capital of Shaanxi province and the beginning of the eastern starting point of ancient China’s Silk Road,” he said.
Xi’an has one of the oldest mosques, and the Sultan was impressed by its architecture.
“So they invited my mufti (Mufti of Selangor) to go over there. That is how it started. I told them we can call it the Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang,” Sultan Sharafuddin added.
Located at Taman Desawan Dua near Bandar Bukti Tinggi 2 and spread over 1.20ha, the mosque features a garden that can be converted into a temporary space to make room for more worshippers.
“The mosque should not just be open to the Chinese or Indian Muslims, but to everybody — especially all Muslims regardless of race.
“You are welcome to our mosque, we don’t want to be divided, that is not the way,” he said.
