Chinese Muslims want own mosque - NST

IPOH: April 28, 2008

Chinese Muslims here want their own mosque to fulfil their religious obligations.

The Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MCMA) Ipoh branch has identified a piece of land for the mosque for which the previous state government had pledged RM100,000 towards its construction.

Association chairman Datuk Fadzli Cheah Abdullah said the matter would be raised with the present state government.

"Currently, Chinese Muslims go to the mosques to pray, but those who cannot understand Bahasa Malaysia face difficulties in understanding the sermon."

"There are about 60,000 Chinese Muslims in the country. It is time that the authorities look into the matter," he said.

The association will be using the three-day Chinese Muslim Missionary Gathering, which started yesterday, as a platform to raise the issue.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who officiated at the association's 14th annual general meeting yesterday, said the government would look at their request.

He said it would not be easy to approve as Pakatan Rakyat does not have an overwhelming mandate to rule the state.

Eleven speakers would present papers at four workshops and two ceramah on challenges, problems, unity and identity related to the community.

Among issues to be discussed include the need of converts to inform families to avoid legal complications and other problems like death.