AUGUST 23, 2011
The Selangor Government will establish a Syura consultative council in its efforts to resolve the matter regarding the examination of Damansara Utama Methodist Church last Aug 3 by Selangor Islamic Religous Department (Jais).
The council will consist of three members; Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, state mufti Dato’ Tamyes Abdul Wahid and his deputy Dato’ Abdul Majid Omar.
”The idea to form this Syura council came from DYMM Tuanku Sultan when we had a discussion over the matter last week. I appreciate Tuanku’s advice regarding how best to resolve this matter satisfactorily,” said the Menteri Besar.
”I have also met the Mufti and we have formulated the term of reference for the council.”
The council will explore areas of concern to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Selangor as well as develop guidelines to ensure mutual respect and harmony between people of different races and religion.
He also said the council will be seeking input from Jais and the host of the thanksgiving dinner, NGO Harapan Komuniti. If necessary, the council will also call the Damansara Utama Methodist Church and the 12 Muslims who were questions by Jais during the examination.
The council will also hear out Jais’ full report on the examination as well as examine related documents and evidence, including video tapes of the incident.
“The state’s priority is to ensure that every aspect of our administration adheres to the principles of justice, transparency, good governance and integrity,” said the Menteri Besar.
The state government reiterates that it is always open to engagement and dialogue regarding the harmonious and mutually respectful coexistence of different religious communities.
PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFICE OF DATO MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR
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