Prominent Malaysians outspoken in criticisms of Muslim-only laundrette

PETALING JAYA: More Malaysians have spoken up against the "Muslims only" laundry in Muar, Johor, with MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai among them.
Liow said he is worried the launderette's policy may lead to a greater polarisation of the races.
"This kind of segregation will cause a domino effect and break racial ties and harmony in Malaysia," he said after officiating the Ali Baba global course at Phoenix Hotel, Forest City, in Gelang Patah yesterday.
“It should not happen here since we have put a lot of efforts to build a tolerant and progressive multicultural Malaysia,” Liow added.
CIMB Group chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, in an Instagram post, voiced his concern over the existence of such discriminatory services in a multiracial country.
"This is very troubling. We have to curb such extremism if we are to build a peaceful and progressive multicultural Malaysia.
“This must be a misinterpretation of Islamic teaching,” he said in his post, which has so far garnered more than a thousand likes.
An image of the laundrette along with its "Muslims-only" signage was attached in his post.
Nazir’s remarks come after several similar criticisms were made against the service, including from Johor Prince Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim.
Tunku Idris stated in his Instagram post that he was appalled by the policy set by the self-service laundrette.
"Is this for real? This is too extreme. I’m appalled," Tunku Idris said.
Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin had also come forward on Monday in criticising the laundrette, stating that such a policy of “narrow mindedness” would lead to extremism.
“I'm worried that someone might come up with the idea urging Muslims not to use currency notes that have been used by non-Muslims,” he was quoted as saying by an English daily.
The unnamed operator of the laundry service told Sin Chew Daily on Sunday that he is merely complying with Islamic doctrine and he hopes that all would be able to understand him.