Kuala Lumpur,El Sky News – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all state governments to comply with Federal Government decisions regarding the construction of unauthorized places of worship, emphasizing the need to safeguard the country’s security and maturity.
He stressed that the principle of tolerance has value, “but it cannot be practiced without limits to the point of undermining the rule of law and the strength of national institutions.”
“This country will not be mature and safe if we continue to practice endless tolerance because tolerance has its strength, but not to the extent of tearing apart the art and strength of the nation itself. That is why, on the matter of places of worship, temples, and so on, I have established guidelines under the Federal Government and I have also contacted all state governments, including opposition-led states, so that we set aside political differences. The Madani Government leadership has made a clear policy decision, so let us implement it together in the best way possible,” said Anwar.
He made the remarks while speaking at the Selangor International Literature and Culture Dialogue (DASA 2026) dinner at the Pro-Chancellor Hall, Universiti Selangor (UNISEL).
Decisions Were Not Made Hastily
Anwar explained that decisions regarding places of worship were not made hastily but took more than two years to study and hear input from all parties. This process aimed to ensure decisions are fair, constitutional, and do not spark tension between races and religions.
“On the matter of places of worship, we set it to a certain level. If we are truly independent Malaysians who respect the law, why should exceptions be given? I took more than two years to finalize this decision. Alhamdulillah, in the end, there is a determination that all races and religions must respect and accept the fact that Malaysia is a country of law,” he added.
Government Commitment
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the government does not allow any places of worship to be built illegally without adhering to regulations. He further praised the leadership of Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in resolving the longstanding pig farming issue in the state, despite political maneuvering.
