"Pretzel dog" furore highlights larger issue of religious authorities’ policies pervading public sphere

While there is some confusion over the brouhaha or the halal-ness of some Auntie Anne products, the entire episode rubbishes the notion of those who are pro-hudud (especially PAS' supporters) that Muslim laws and authorities have no impact on non-Muslims is untrue.

Even Aunty Anne, a foreign chain or entity can be pressured to comply to a name change of their products etc. Many non-Muslim families have to agonise over the snatching of children or “dead body” of a dearly departed, etc involving Muslim authorities.

The recent JAKIM ruling or guidelines on "hot dog" etc also goes to show that there are individuals who are not hesitant to use Islamic religion and authorities to infringe , encroach and interfere in the social - commercial well being of all Malaysians.

The much avowed promise that Islamic laws, authorities and regulations will not affect non-Muslims in a multi-racial society is meaningless when many are still unable to uphold the true teachings of religion in a correct perspective.

The primary emphases of all religions are peace, harmony and justice. However due to the superficial understanding of some (scholars and authorities included), we are continually exposed to petty , simplistic and lame excuses by some to assert their authority and control onto others.

This goes to show that we Malaysians must be vigilant and guarded towards any attempt to rule in the name of religion. This is particularly true in a nation whereby corruption, abuses of power and egoism are still rampant and prevalent.

MCA Religious Harmony Bureau calls upon the Government to be wary and to curb the wild instinct of human being to dominate, impose and control others using religion or religious authorities.

All decisions or regulations affecting adversely the peaceful, harmonious coexistence of Malaysians should not be made unilaterally or authoritatively without any form of check and balance. There should not be one single ethnic group or religion that has a carte blanche authority to intrude into the practices, tolerance and existence that have been upheld and protected by the spirit of our Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution.

Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker
MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman
MCA Central Committee Member
MCA Kuantan Division Chairman

-MCA online-