KUALA LUMPUR – National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has urged that disputes over places of worship allegedly built without approval, and protest gatherings organised by the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement (GARAH), be handled with wisdom and guided by the spirit of national unity to safeguard Malaysia’s racial and religious harmony.
He stressed that the Madani Government remains firm in defending freedom of religion as enshrined under Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, while ensuring that all matters concerning houses of worship are resolved legally and within the jurisdiction of local authorities.
“All parties should prioritise dialogue and engagement with stakeholders in seeking solutions, and avoid hasty actions that could undermine social harmony,” Aaron said in a statement today.
Calling unity the nation’s “most valuable asset,” he warned against allowing emotions, misunderstandings, or “irresponsible narratives circulating in the public space, particularly on social media” to compromise it.
“The Madani Government remains committed to safeguarding harmony, strengthening national unity, and ensuring that public spaces are not misused as platforms to sow hatred or division among Malaysians,” he added.
Aaron also affirmed that the National Unity Ministry fully backs the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s (KPKT) initiative to regularise unapproved places of worship through cooperation, dialogue and “harmonious resolutions, in line with the principles of national unity and law-based governance.”
His remarks followed Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s statement yesterday that KPKT, via local authorities, is prepared to work with all stakeholders to implement a regularisation programme for houses of worship built without permission.
Nga noted that while land matters fall under state jurisdiction, KPKT is open to assisting in resolving such issues “harmoniously,” stressing that all places of worship must comply with the law, including obtaining planning approval from local authorities. – February 9, 2026