KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — The Malay Rulers have expressed their support today for the condemnation of Muslim-only launderettes by the Johor Sultan and Perlis’ Raja Muda, in a statement delivered by the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Ahmad.
The statement said the move had demonstrated the rulers’ commitment to ensuring Muslims practice tolerance, moderation and inclusiveness, pointing to the need to respect the plural religious and ethnic backgrounds in Malaysia.
“The Malay Rulers appreciate the strict stance of His Majesty Sultan of Johor regarding the ‘Muslim-only laundry’ in Johor, as well as His Royal Highness Raja Muda of Perlis in a similar case in Perlis,” the statement said.
“Unity among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious people is key to ensuring the country’s ongoing stability.”
“[The Rukunegara] must continue to serve as a compass to all parties, be they leaders, government officials and citizens of our country,” it added.
Last month, a launderette in Muar, Johor had removed a sign allowing only Muslim customers and apologised following a rebuke from Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.
Another launderette with similar policy in Perlis also reversed its restriction in the same week after a visit from the state Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and Raja Muda Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
This comes as Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officer and Sunni Organisation Malaysia (Aswaja) president Zamihan Mat Zain reportedly criticised the Johor Sultan in a religious lecture at a mosque in Shah Alam on Sunday.
The rulers also expressed their concern over the issue of unity and harmony of Malaysians, highlighting that the formation of the Constitution was based on the understanding that the country comprises of those from differing religions and ethnicities.
They condemned the actions of individuals that go “beyond all acceptable standards of decency”, subsequently putting the country’s harmony at risk.
“The Rulers are of the opinion that the damaging implications of such actions are more severe when they are erroneously associated with or committed in the name of Islam.
“As a religion that encourages its followers to be respectful, moderate, and inclusive, the reputation of Islam must not ever be tainted by the divisive actions of certain groups or individuals which may lead to rifts among the public,” said the statement.
