News From : DagangHalal.com (29 Sep 2010)
The government has gazetted a 1.94ha piece of land in Jalan Davis, Kuala Lumpur, to build a mosque for Chinese Muslims.
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the request had long been made by the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) Malaysia.
“I brought up their request to the Prime Minister who gave his approval,” said Raja Nong Chik who made the announcement at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri dinner jointly organised by Macma, the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and the Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies (Huayan) held at the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
“It will be the first mosque for Chinese Muslims to be built in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“Macma will manage the mosque and it will be a focal point to attract other tourists to learn more of the Chinese Muslim culture,” said Raja Nong Chik.
Also present at the event were his wife Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik, Huazong president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah, Huayan chairman Chew Saw Eng, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) director-general Datuk Salleh Yusup.
Macma Malaysia president Datuk Mustapha Ma said architects could now enter a competition to submit their designs for the mosque.
“The winner will be announced in February,” said Mustapha, who is also the event’s organising chairman.
Mustapha added that Macma was also about promoting Malaysia as ahalal food paradise.
Raja Nong Chik said there were about 57,000 Chinese Muslims in Malaysia in 2000, but the figure has increased now.
“The well-being of Muslim converts is a matter close to my heart, as I’m married to one.
“What is my family without my wife?” he said to applauses from the audience.
He added that there was no place for any form of extremism and that NGOs like Macma, Huazong and Huayan must continue to promote religious and ethnic understanding.
Chew said a gathering like this allowed people to recognise the uniqueness of Malaysia and embrace every individual’s views and thoughts.
The guests, comprising the Chinese Muslims, non-Muslims and Malays numbering to about 480, were treated to a dinner of halal dishes.
Guests were also treated to a fashion show and songs.
– The Star online