Masjid Madani a reflection of Islamic values, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The successful settlement that enabled the Madani Mosque to be built in the middle of the city is nothing to be arrogant about but a reflection of our Islamic values to keep peace, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said his orders throughout the process in trying to get the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to be relocated for everyone involved were to be kind and considerate to all communities.

Anwar said this at the ground-breaking ceremony of Masjid Madani, a project of Jakel Group, at Jalan Masjid India on Thursday (March 27).

The mosque, about 12,000 sq ft will be of a modern design with two storeys.

He added that the name Madani was chosen for the mosque as the word encapsulated “civilisation”, which begins in cities and is embraced by diverse communities – Muslims and non-Muslims.

Anwar also thanked all parties – including ministers and authorities – for settling the matter concerning the temple peacefully without offending the Hindu community.

“My orders to those involved to settle the matter was to discuss kindly as the settlement would reflect the Madani concept of caring for the community.

“However, they were not to budge from the decision to build the mosque. The mosque is donated to the community and the temple has been relocated.

“Everyone being the hero of their own communities would destroy the country. We should be Malaysian leaders.

“This is a mosque in the city, and civilisation is said to begin in the city. The concept of Madani also comes from the word “madinah” (city),” Anwar added.

In his opening speech, Jakel Group managing director Datuk Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel said that the mosque was the dream of his late father.

He said that the Jakel siblings were adamant about fulfilling the wish of their late father and wanted to legally evict the temple on their land.

“We had waited for 11 years. We got the approval for the building plans in 2021.

“However, we were advised not to resort to take legal action against the temple by the Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa.

“This mosque is not to replace the surrounding mosques of Masjid India or the IPD Dang Wangi surau but to cater to the community of Muslims who need the mosque for prayers,” said Mohamed Faroz.

He said that the two-storey mosque, to be completed in 24 months, can admit a congregation of 1,100 devotees and will also house a library and community hall.

Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Religious Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Federal Territories Minister Zaliha, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz