If Temples And Unlicensed Balloon Sellers Are "Haram"!! - What About "Stealing Billions"...?”

If Temples And Unlicensed Balloon Sellers Are "Haram"!! - What About "Stealing Billions"...?”


4 Apr 2025 • 2:00 PM MYT


JK Joseph
Repentant ex-banker who believes in truth, compassion and some humour

Photos strictly for illustration only. Credit Image: Kosmo / The Straits Times / Harakah Daily / Malay Mail (Picture by Choo Choo May)


Given the sensitivity, shouldn't religious leaders show humility and exercise some restraint when touching on “other religions” in this country?


Following the recent uproar over the disturbing footage of an unlicensed balloon seller being roughed up by KL City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers, popular Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin seemed to have directed a veiled “message” at the government.


But what must have raised eyebrows though was that he had allegedly made comparisons between the unfortunate incident involving the balloon seller and the controversial relocation of the temple in Kuala Lumpur recently!


Not mincing words, Asri went on to question the Madani government in handling the situation and seemed to imply that what was supposed to be “unlawful” was condoned - while a roadside vendor was treated without compassion; he then warned:


"Do not forget that the Arab Spring uprising was sparked by the ill treatment of a small-time trader in Tunisia by the local authorities there!"


For context, it was reported that DBKL enforcement officers who were on patrol had found several unlicenced vendors along the busy Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) pedestrian walkway obstructing the public and causing congestion.


According to them, as per procedure they had urged the illegal traders to leave; however, one balloon vendor refused to comply with the orders and continued to conduct his business as usual in spite of being given another reprimand.


The report further stated that when the third reprimand was issued, the balloon vendor started to act aggressively leading to an enforcement officer, who was carrying out his duties, being pushed; other officers then acted quickly to calm down the parties involved in the scuffle and prevented the situation from exacerbating.


However, it would appear that in spite of the detailed explanation and assurance given by DBKL, viral videos of the fracas had fuelled online backlash, with netizens condemning their alleged heavy-handed action.


In fact, even Kamil Abdul Munim, the political secretary to PM Anwar Ibrahim, had slammed the shameful treatment of the trader, while questioning how Ramadan's spirit of humanity could align with such sheer brutality.


Interestingly, given the furore over the bashing up of the poor balloon seller the public could be forgiven for laying the blame on DBKL for what seemed like lack of compassion; however, at the same time, the Perlis Mufti's alleged comparison of that sad incident with the KL Hindu temple saga is also bound to cause a stir and raise serious questions!


No doubt, many concerned members of the public may ask: is it right for anyone to label the so-called “illegal” Hindu temple as “haram” although it has been there for more than a century, with its existence even acknowledged by DBKL, while the aggressive ballon seller is now suddenly “hailed” as an innocent victim despite not possessing a business licence?


Furthermore, instead of stoking the flames of ethno-religious sentiments here shouldn't influential figures especially politicians and religious leaders show impartiality in their judgements, avoid making snide or provocative comments on the affairs of other religions, and strive to be peacemakers in the face of an increasingly fractured society?


Moreover, on the issue of “haram”, shouldn't corruption, as epitomised by the 1MDB-related mega scandal that involved the embezzlement of billions of ringgit, be the first to spring to mind?


In fact, does anyone ever need a reminder about one of the prime suspects in the 1MDB-related case who was charged but had his jail term halved while his hefty fine was generously reduced? Or is it that corruption may not be that “sinful” after all - unlike the many non-Muslim places of worship in this country that have been serving believers faithfully for many generations which have now become “haram” instead?


Main information source: Facebook (Dr Maza Channel), Malay Mail, Focus Malaysia , The Straits Times and Malaysia Now

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kt comments:

Balloon vendor ain't no angel, and Dr Asri had the invincible bias against Hinduism to compare such an offender with a heritage-era temple built 135 years ago, before even Malaya was formed - Dei Podah!

Borak Daily
Dunia


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