8/13/2024 Malaysia (International Christian Concern) — The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has vehemently opposed the government’s recent proposal to seize a portion of leasehold land upon renewal or extension. The council argues that this move will disproportionately affect non-Bumiputera landowners, or those who are not Malays. 

If enacted, the policy could establish a concerning precedent: potentially enabling the government to expropriate land owned by non-Muslims, religious organizations, and other non-Muslim societal institutions in the future. 

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi first floated the idea at the Bumiputera Economic Congress in March, suggesting that at least 20% of large agricultural and industrial landholdings be returned to the government. Zahid said the land would be allocated to a new Bumiputera land corporation. 

The interfaith council has labeled the proposal as illegal and unconstitutional, citing a landmark 1978 Federal Court ruling that mandates the evaluation of leasehold land renewal applications on a case-by-case basis. The council contends that the government’s blanket approach, which fails to consider individual circumstances, is arbitrary and unlawful. 

Beyond the legal implications, the MCCBCHST highlights the severe economic impact on non-Bumiputera landowners who stand to lose substantial portions of their property and associated profits. The council emphasized that this compulsory land acquisition is unprecedented and a blatant disregard for the rights of all citizens as enshrined in the National Land Code. 

The council questioned the necessity of such a measure because Malay land ownership is already protected under the Malay reserve system. 

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