KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 —The National Mosque today admitted to the existence of an ablution room for “VVIPs” after a picture of such a facility was spread on social media, but explained that it was for the safety of the Yang diPertuan Agong and other rulers in attendance.
In a post on Facebook, Grand Imam Tan Sri Syaikh Ismail Muhammad explained that that the Agong and other state rulers often attend official events at the National Mosque and the room was to facilitate the security measures for them due to its proximity to the waiting area reserved for VIPs.
Others who may use the facility are luminaries, both local and foreign, as well as envoys from other countries here on official business, he added.
“This special facility takes into account protocol and is a security measure to avoid any untoward incidents from happening,” Syaikh Ismail wrote.
Among others, the celebrations include Maal Hijrah, Prophet’s Day, National Day, Warriors Day and the Nuzul Quran.
He then explained that the portrayal of the room as overly exclusive in social media posts was incorrect, saying what the sign on the door to the “VVIP Room” suggested was not a true reflection of the facility.
Syaikh Ismail then criticised what he said was ulterior motive in social media posts regarding the room, saying the disapproval over its existence was overly harsh and provocative.
Social media users began criticising the National Mosque after pictures of the “VVIP” ablution room was distributed across social media.
Among others, they claimed the segregation was creating a caste system among Muslims.
Others defended the National Mosque, however, saying that critics did not realise that the room was reserved for important guests only during official functions and was otherwise accessible to the public.
Ablution is the ceremonial cleansing of the body that Muslims must undergo prior to performing their prayers.
