Jawi probes multi-religious prayers at groundbreaking event [at MIC HQs]

Jawi probes multi-religious prayers at groundbreaking event


The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) is investigating the reciting of the Muslim prayers during a groundbreaking ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

Although its statement did not mention which ceremony, it is believed to be in reference to Monday’s event at the MIC headquarters.

The event, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saw Muslim, Christian, and Hindu prayers being recited.

Jawi said it is investigating the matter to ensure there were no elements that contravened Islamic rules or fatwa.

“Any offence related to ‘akidah’ can lead to legal action and punishment under Section 559 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997,” the department added.

Jawi advised all quarters to refer to the Islamic religious authorities to ensure that such practices do not violate the “syarak” (laws of Islam).

“Religious harmony and tolerance are encouraged by Islamic teachings, especially in a multiracial nation.

“However, all quarters are advised to always refer to the religious authorities to ensure that the actions are in line with the ‘hukum syarak’,” it added.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported MIC deputy president M Saravanan as stating that the Islamic and Christian prayers conducted proved that the party is for all religions.

The former human resources minister said this is because MIC has members of various religions.

“How do Muslim and Christian party members participate in the event, if the event is held with only one religious ceremony?” he asked.



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Saravanan defends multi-faith prayers at MIC ceremony


The Islamic and Christian prayers conducted during the groundbreaking ceremony of the MIC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur recently are proof that the party is for all religions in the country, said deputy president M Saravanan.

Saravanan said this is because MIC has members of various religions.

“MIC members are made up of all religions. Therefore, it is unfair to hold a groundbreaking event with only Hindu religious prayers.

“How do Muslim and Christian party members participate in the event, if the event is held with only one religious ceremony?

“I believe it would be wrong for us not to perform other religious ceremonies including Islam in the groundbreaking ceremony,” he told Malaysiakini.

He said this when commenting on complaints by some netizens that the party mixed Islamic and Hindu ceremonies in the event held on Aug 21.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan


This followed a video of the groundbreaking ceremony going viral on social media showing an ustaz reciting a prayer while a monk performed a ritual according to Hinduism.

Also seen in the video is a pastor performing a ceremony according to Christian customs.

Saravanan asked netizens who were not satisfied with the ceremony not to be close-minded.

“I think the people making these accusations are narrow-minded.

“This is a country of many religions and customs. As a political party, MIC needs to take care of the sensitivity and rights of all religions and races,” he said.