Establish a centralised Non-Muslim Places of Worship Commission, says PKR deputy sec-gen

PKR deputy secretary general Sivamalar Genapathy has called for the establishment of a centralised Non-Muslim Places of Worship Commission at the federal level.

“Enforcement must be the last option, not the default response. Dialogue, mediation, and administrative solutions must come first.

“The establishment of a centralised Non-Muslim Places of Worship Commission at the federal level is essential to ensure coordination, consistency, and fairness, and to prevent enforcement actions without proper assessment, except where immediate public safety is at risk.

“Planning and development laws must also be strengthened to ensure existing places of worship are identified early in future projects, preventing disputes before they arise,” she said in a statement.

Tensions due to blanket enforcement

Sivamalar who is also PKR’s central leadership council member also pointed out that tensions between the affected communities and the authorities are due to blanket enforcement.

She suggested that policy reforms done to recognise historical non-Muslim places of worship.

“The tension today stems largely from blanket enforcement without sufficient context.

“Treating all non-Muslim places of worship the same, regardless of history or circumstances, is neither fair nor wise.

“Each case must be assessed on its own merits, guided by facts, history, land status, safety considerations, and community impact. This is not a religious issue but a governance issue.

“Malaysia needs policy reform that reflects maturity, consistency, and empathy.

“This includes formal recognition of historical non-Muslim places of worship, a clear distinction between legacy sites and newly built unauthorised structures, and lawful pathways such as long-term leases, special-use titles, land swaps, or dignified relocation where retention is not feasible.

Yesterday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had called upon the local councils to take action against any house of worship that was built in breach of existing laws.

Last week police prevented a rally that was scheduled to be held to protest against Hindu temples that were built illegally.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang, during the Dewan Rakyat session last week, said that matters of land and religion falls under the purview of the state government.