KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — We are deeply concerned about reports that the Pahang Islamic and Malay Customs Council (“MAIP”) has imposed a ban on non-Islamic reading material in hotels in the State. We urge the Council to revoke the notice, which was sent to 147 hotels in the State.

Firstly, MAIP has no jurisdiction over non-Muslims and its “directive” has no legal compulsion in law against the hotels. Secondly, it is the freedom of choice of the hotels to supply such materials in its hotel rooms. Conversely, it is the freedom of choice of anyone not to stay in such hotels if they disagree with the hotel policy.

Traditionally, Christian groups like “Gideon”, would place Bibles in hotels all over the world which allows anyone wanting to read the Bible easy access to the scriptures. Availability of the Bible does not amount to proselytisation. A Muslim may choose to disregard the availability of non-Islamic holy books in hotel rooms, just as many followers of other faiths would not be unduly uncomfortable with the availability of the Holy Quran in hotels.

But by denying such access, we run the risk of being ridiculed by the international community as being intolerant and fanatical. This runs contrary to the principles in all religions which promote understanding and compassion.

If such directive is implemented, there are fears that holy books of other religions would eventually be kept out of sight, including those kept in libraries. There would also be worries over whether MAIP has plans to further impose its rigid interpretation of Pahang’s religious laws in other aspects in the State. This includes the fate of popular international holiday destination, Genting Highlands which is located in Pahang.

The Prime Minister is known as a reformer and a moderate and the actions of such bodies are inconsistent with these values. If the directive is not retracted, it would only be disservice to Islam as a religion of wassatiyah and inclusiveness.

Moderation should be the overriding principle in not only this case, but in the overall administration of this country. In a plural country like ours, any group that tries to dominate or impose its beliefs on others would upset the balance that has held this country together since Independence.

* Lim Chee Wee is past president of the Malaysian Bar Council. Gan Ping Sieu was a former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports and holds a diploma in Syariah law. Both are lawyers by profession. The Centre for A Better Tomorrow (CENBET) promotes moderation and good governance. 

** This the personal opinion of the writers or their organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.