- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the “victory” over the planned Madani Mosque on the site of a Hindu temple was achieved through wisdom and fairness, not arrogance or hostility.
- He stressed that his government prioritises harmony by resolving issues through negotiation, chiding those who wish to be a “hero” by inciting racial discord or disregarding legal facts.
- Anwar also hopes the mosque will be a local community centre for Muslims and Kuala Lumpur residents.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reminded Muslims the “victory” achieved over a planned mosque on the site of a Hindu temple here along Jalan Munshi Abdullah is not one borne out of arrogance.
Instead, Anwar said the “victory” was only achievable through Muslims’ willingness to display the wisdom, strength, and nobleness of Islam.
“This victory, as I remind my fellow Muslims, is not borne of sheer arrogance but our willingness to display the wisdom and strength of Islam.
“To me, that is the true falah (victory), it is a victory when we can set a good example by displaying compassion, fairness and not hatred and being spiteful,” he said in his speech during the Madani Mosque groundbreaking ceremony here.
The mosque is a planned development on the land owned by Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd — where the century-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, set to be relocated, currently sits.
He said his government has never adopted a policy to sow discord among the populace, pointing out the government has always taken a more diplomatic approach by reaching an amicable solution through negotiations with all parties.
“That is why we choose to preserve harmony by negotiating properly,” he said.
“My instructions have always been consistent in both Cabinet and ministerial meetings held with the mayor to conduct negotiations properly with any means necessary, as achieving peaceful resolution is a demonstration of Madani values.”
He also said the country will be destroyed if everyone attempts to portray themselves a “hero” of their ethnic group, while disregarding the legality and truth of an issue.
“If everyone wants to be a hero of their own race, the country is doomed,” he warned.
“I am aware there are exaggerated reactions from both Muslim and Indian communities which disregard the true facts of the issue that has been circulating in social media without a slight concern of the implications.”
Anwar also expressed hope that expressed hope that the planned four-storey mosque can serve as a local community centre for Muslims and city dwellers — with its library, event hall, and an arts and cultural space to introduce Islam to the public.
“This mosque not only serves the purpose of a mosque in the city and reflects the philosophy about our development rooted in Islamic faith, which places good values and morals to bring Muslims together, but also embraces and shows love to the people around us.
“Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof mentioned that he suggested that there should be a cultural and arts space, a place for the community to gather at this city mosque and for non-Muslims to not feel awkward but to know the moderate values of Islam, full of mercy and wisdom,” he said, referring to the deputy prime minister.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) previously confirmed that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple will be relocated to another site agreeable to parties involved, following a proposal by landowner Jakel Trading to build a mosque on its land.
According to city officials, the new site will be roughly 50 metres away from the current one and that the temple will continue to operate until the relocation process begins.
Jakel Trading bought the plot in question from DBKL in 2014, allegedly without the temple management being informed of the matter.
