Handle religious issues prudently, says PAS

2026-03-11 - 03:44

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said attempts to sow hatred, hostility, and misgivings among the various communities must be rejected. PETALING JAYA: PAS today called for the prudent handling of religious issues, including those linked to houses of worship, without inflaming tensions following spats between Muslim and Hindu community leaders. PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said Malaysia’s multiracial make-up must be taken into account when dealing with racial and religious issues. “Attempts to sow hatred, hostility, and misgivings among the various communities are extremely irresponsible and must be rejected,” he said in a statement. The former law minister also said that the authorities had a crucial role in managing the current tensions transparently and fairly. He said clear explanations, unbiased enforcement, and proper crisis management by the relevant authorities were necessary to prevent misunderstanding, speculation, and rising tensions. The Kota Bharu MP did not cite any specific cases, but his statement followed several incidents linked to allegedly illegal houses of worship and the desecration of the Quran. Other incidents included an arson attack on three vehicles belonging to an activist known as Cikgu Chandra; the alleged desecration of the Trishul; and an alleged attack on controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth. Yesterday, national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang urged the police to take decisive action against those involved in such incidents. He said any form of violence, religious provocation, hatred, or extreme action touching on racial and religious sensitivities was unacceptable in a multiracial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.