THE Anwar Ibrahim unity government has allocated funds for non-Muslim houses of worship to affirm its commitment towards diversity. 

Last year, 300 churches and temples received RM50 million in government grants for upgrading work.

This gesture from the Madani administration, however, throws a spanner in the works for two places of worship in Malacca that have been identified as being a hotbed of wrongdoings, i.e. allegedly pilfering of funds and abuse of power.

The identities of the two entities are not disclosed for now pending comments from them.

However, one is more than 160 years old while the other is almost a century old.

Regarding the first entity, details of the power abuse by those in positions have been sent upwards to the higher-ranking persons in charge about a year ago but without any action so far.

A whistle-blower shared his unhappiness with the house of worship’s high-handedness and insults thrown at adherents by the wrongdoer.

“Corruption is a big problem at this place. But people are scared of speaking out for fear of reprisals.”

The whistleblower said some RM2 million was collected for the place of worship’s renovation which was done haphazardly. Then came the lockdown and work was halted. Later, it was learned that work would continue but at double the cost at RM4 million. 

“This is ridiculous. We found out too that those in authority had forced blank cheques to be signed. This was informed to the superior person in charge but he made no effort to stop the wrongdoings.”

The whistle-blower said disgruntled people had shunned the place of worship as there is no holiness left there.

“When the priest screamed at an elderly woman telling her to ‘shut up and get lost’ because she enquired about some prayer details, it is a red flag that the place of worship itself needs healing.”

This disturbing narrative had been relayed to everyone higher up the chain via emails. None bothered responding.

The whistle-blower said transparency and accountability were much needed to ensure the place of worship’s reputation was not soiled.

“Why must I stop praying here and go elsewhere because of power abuse indulged by the priest and top leaders?” asked the whistleblower.

Does religion ‘supersede’ wrongdoings?

The second place of worship is hugely popular with a certain segment of the community, and underwent extensive renovation in the late 1990s.

The posh-looking place of worship is today led by a committee president whom concerned believers claim has a hidden agenda.

Police are aware of complaints of the power abuse here but are wary as it involves a house of worship. 

Does this mean religion overshadows malfeasance?

The present committee head had been warned by police and the Council of Datuk Dato’ Malaysia to stop using the fake “Datuk” honorific.  

A source told The Malaysian Insight that the person bought the “Datuk” title for RM30,000 in 2020.

The person’s employers have also been alerted about the fraudulent title but they have remained silent. 

A follower of this place of worship wondered whether a system is in place to ensure accountability of funds received by the temples and churches.

“It would be futile to give money to temples and churches without holding them responsible for every sen spent,” they said.

Non-Muslim houses of worship have until June 30 to apply for government funds to upgrade their premises.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching recently reminded non-Muslim houses of worship of the June 30 deadline to apply for funds to upgrade their premises via online applications to the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

“This demonstrates the government’s commitment to support all religions in our country,” Teo had said.

However, if power abuses are allowed to continue unabated, it is the reputation of the places of worship that is impacted due to the misdeeds of greedy individuals or groups in charge.

Blame inevitably will fall on the temple, gurdwara or churchgoers for succumbing to fear and allowing the abuse to continue. – June 3, 2024.