Not illegal to have Muslim-only launderettes in Malaysia, says former CJ

Updated 8 years ago · Published on 15 Oct 2017 7:43PM · 6 Comments

Last month, a launderette in Muar was highlighted on social media for having a 'For Muslims Only' sign, which angered Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who ordered that the sign be removed or the business shut down. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 15, 2017.

A FORMER chief justice has reopened the debate on whether Muslim-only launderettes should be permitted, saying it is not illegal to operate them in Malaysia.

“I have never come across any law in Malaysia that says it is illegal. Please show me if there is one,” wrote Abdul Hamid Mohamad in a column on Harakahdaily today.

“A launderette owner is an individual and not a government entity, and Article 8 of the Federal Constitution on equality cannot apply to an individual. It only applies to the government,” said Hamid, who retired as chief justice in 2008.

The 75-year-old said as a private businessman, a launderette owner had the freedom to choose who he wanted to do business with.

“All businesses want to earn profits. If the owner thinks that his business would do better by targeting Muslims, he should be free to do so (make the business for Muslims only).”

Hamid said a launderette owner should not be faulted if his customers did not want to use washing machines that had been used by non-Muslims, “just as we cannot fault the public who don’t want to go to his shop”.

“Maybe, they feel disgusted by the possibility that the machines had been used to wash undergarments worn by people who don’t wash up after relieving themselves, or those who are menstruating.

“Or, towels that may have been used to dry dogs.”

One solution, said Hamid, was to have a sign stating that customers were prohibited from washing their undergarments in the machines.

“But, nobody would read it or adhere to such rules.”

The former judge said the issue should not be seen only from a religious perspective as it also involved customers’ reaction to such possibilities.

“Don’t be too sensitive towards non-Muslims’ feelings to the point that non-Muslims are not sensitive about the sentiments of Muslims. It’s a joint responsibility.”

The issue came to light last month after a launderette in Muar was highlighted on social media for having a “For Muslims Only” sign.

Following a public outcry, Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar ordered that the launderette remove the sign or stop operating.

Sultan Ibrahim said a Muslim-only launderette was unacceptable, and his son, Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim, said such a business was extreme in nature.

The owner of the launderette promptly apologised to the ruler and took down the sign.

However, the issue was reignited last week after a Prisons Department rehabilitation programme officer and preacher, Zamihan Mat Zin, questioned Sultan Ibrahim’s ruling during a sermon in Shah Alam.

Zamihan, who is on secondment from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), was arrested to assist in police’s investigation into the matter on Wednesday, and was released yesterday.

During a speech in Johor yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim ordered the state religious authority to stop its dealings with Jakim.

He said there was no room for discriminatory practices in the state. – October 15, 2017.

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Comments

  • Our Islamic State ex-CJ is right. But let's ask him whether Hudud in a Kleptocracy is Halal or Syariah? It's a disaster but is Islamic?

    Posted 8 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply

    • More reason we need the Harmony Bills. Johor should leads the way to show what a progressive state is like ....... it can pass the Harmony Bills at the state level if the federal refused ...

      Posted 8 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • Yes, its a non essential service and so according to one's belief ,it is his/her right , but not essential services like health care , medicine, food and clothing.
    But I think the more important issue for born Muslims is the right to believe and have faith in his/her opinion . The freedom to reason beyond religion and washing machines.

    Posted 8 years ago by Steven Ong · Reply

  • I am disappointed that a learned former CJ missed the point all together. No one was saying that the launderette owner broke the law. People are so questioned his sense of discrimination.

    Posted 8 years ago by Awang Top · Reply

  • Come on now. Don't play the devil's advocate. The law is silent on many things. Should this be interpreted as an encouragement to do those things?

    Posted 8 years ago by Raz Musa · Reply

  • Like our Mr. Zaid said, Jxxxx teach people to be stupid. Being stupid is of course not a crime, but having to take a lecture from His Majesty is too much.

    Posted 8 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply