Chinese Muslims see Malay bias in rejection of their own mosque

A long-standing request by Malaysia's 70,000 Chinese Muslims to have their own mosque with services in Mandarin appears to have been turned down by authorities, who say such a move would be divisive and politically untenable.

Chinese Muslims say the rejection is yet another example of discrimination against non-Malays, even those who are Muslim.

'There are enough mosques in Malaysia; why one especially for Chinese Muslims?' said Abdul Hamid Othman, head of the Islamic Affairs Department and chief Islamic adviser to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

'We cannot entertain a request that creates discord among Muslims,' he told the New Straits Times newspaper, effectively closing the door on the request. 'Such a request is unthinkable as it also carries a wide political connotation that would not benefit anybody.'

Chinese Muslims, some of them descendents of 16th century travellers from China, have long wanted their own mosque, saying they prefer to pray in Mandarin and practise Chinese culture compatible with Islam.

'Islam transcends race and culture, but in Malaysia, Islam is considered as conforming to Malays and Arabic culture,' said Annuar Tan Abdullah, a businessman.

Islam is the official religion, but other religions are practised freely in the country, where Malays make up 60 per cent of the 26 million people.