Ismail Ahmad said in his Facebook that a condominium manager has made it difficult for his friend and him to perform their obligatory prayers.
Ismail and his friend have been praying under the staircase at the carpark of Regency Park Condominium for many years. They work as personal drivers and have to be in the condo vicinity at all times, in case their bosses needed their services.
Ismail said that he understands that the place where they pray at is the common property of the estate, but that they have kept the place clean and neat. They have also ensured that it does not obstruct any human movement nor does it pose a safety hazard to anyone.
The condo manager, Ms Jennifer Peh from Saville Property Management Pte Ltd however, threw out their prayer mats and told them to pray outside the condo if they had to.
“When we appealed to let us use that little space under the staircase, she told us arrogantly “If you want to pray, go to the mosque”. She even challenged us to “complain to your MUIS”,” he recounted.
Ismail said that their bosses who are residents of the condo did not mind them praying under the staircase of the carpark. Their bosses have also expressed that the harsh action and words of Ms Peh were uncalled for.
Saying “freedom of worship is a right enshrined in the constitution,” Ismail asked “where is the religious tolerance that the government keeps on promoting?”