MCA Criticises Housing and Local Government Ministry’s Plans to Amend Guidelines for Government Funding Applications from Non-Muslim Houses of Worship

Government Funding Applications from Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Under Fire

The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) has expressed concerns over the housing and local government ministry’s plans to amend the guidelines for government funding applications from non-Muslim houses of worship. MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng has called the move “very unreasonable” and urged the minister, Nga Kor Ming, to reconsider it.

Three-Year Ban on New Applications

The amendments, revealed by deputy minister Aiman Athirah Sabu in the Dewan Rakyat today, will include a three-year ban on non-Muslim houses of worship that have already received government funding from submitting new applications. Tan Teik Cheng believes that this restriction fails to take into account situations where non-Muslim houses of worship may face unforeseen circumstances, such as urgent repairs or “accidents”, shortly after receiving government support.

Unforeseen Circumstances

Tan said that the policy fails to consider this aspect, and it would be nonsensical if such houses of worship were deprived of much-needed funds solely on a time-based period. He called for a more reasonable approach where ministry officials would be sent to assess the actual needs of the buildings before disbursing funds.

A Blanket Regulation

“A blanket regulation that denies such applications should not be enforced,” Tan said. He emphasized that the government has a responsibility to treat all places of worship fairly and ensure that government assistance is disbursed when the need arises, rather than creating a sense of injustice that leaves adherents disheartened.

Funding Allocations

According to Aiman, the ministry had approved 422 out of 1,074 applications from non-Muslim houses of worship, totalling RM46.1 million in allocations, as of September 30.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MCA has expressed concerns over the housing and local government ministry’s plans to amend the guidelines for government funding applications from non-Muslim houses of worship. The three-year ban on new applications has been criticized as unreasonable, as it fails to take into account unforeseen circumstances that may arise. A more reasonable approach is needed to ensure that government assistance is disbursed fairly and effectively.

FAQs

Q: What are the amendments to the guidelines for government funding applications from non-Muslim houses of worship?
A: The amendments will include a three-year ban on non-Muslim houses of worship that have already received government funding from submitting new applications.

Q: Why has MCA criticized the amendments?
A: MCA believes that the three-year ban is unreasonable and fails to take into account unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Q: What is the current funding allocation for non-Muslim houses of worship?
A: According to Aiman, the ministry had approved 422 out of 1,074 applications from non-Muslim houses of worship, totalling RM46.1 million in allocations, as of September 30.

Q: What is MCA’s proposed solution to the issue?
A: MCA is calling for a more reasonable approach where ministry officials would be sent to assess the actual needs of the buildings before disbursing funds.