Grand facade: The Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang has elaborate features inspired by the Great Mosque of Xi’an in China. — KK SHAM/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A China-inspired mosque will be officially opened today in the royal city of Klang, a testament to the country’s inclusivity and diverse heritage, says Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
And it is quite enthralling to hear the behind the scenes story of how the plan came about to have a mosque that mirrors the artistry seen in the Great Mosque of Xi’an in China.
It all started when the Chinese Muslim community requested for a house of worship in Klang that would feature exquisite Chinese architecture.
“They wanted to build a mosque but I told them to please take their architects to Xi’an, which is the capital of Shaanxi province and the beginning of the eastern starting point of ancient China’s Silk Road,” the Sultan of Selangor told The Star.
His Royal Highness told the story of how the Emperor of China saw people praying on the street – from Xi’an to Istanbul – and offered to build a mosque in the Chinese city.
“It is one of the oldest mosques and I like the architecture. So they invited my mufti (Mufti of Selangor) to go over there.
“That is how it started. I told them we can call it the Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang,” said the Sultan.
Located at Taman Desawan Dua near Bandar Bukti Tinggi 2 and spread over 1.20ha, the mosque features artistic elements similar to the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
It has a garden that can be converted into a temporary area to make room for additional worshippers.
Sultan Sharafuddin said this is a case similar to the time when the Indian Muslim community requested to build a mosque in Klang.
“Previously, they also came to see me, and they wanted to open a mosque, but I told them if you want to do so in Selangor, I am the one to name it.
“I also told them that I can put an ‘Orang Besar Daerah’ to observe, and the sermons (khutbah) will be provided by us, but once a month, you can translate our khutbah to Urdu,” he added.
The Sultan has made clear that the mosque is open to all Muslims and also tourists.
“The mosque should not just be open to the Chinese or Indian Muslims, but to everybody – especially all Muslims regardless of race.
“You are welcome to our mosque, we don’t want to be divided, that is not the way,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
On a separate matter, His Royal Highness hopes the northern part of Selangor, from Tanjung Karang to Sabak Bernam, will be developed into a vibrant food hub.“The soil there is good for food and plantations, especially for padi and coconut. So we must focus on this.
“That is why Sekinchan is popular for this purpose. As such, Sabak Bernam should be developed as a food hub,” the Sultan added.
Furthermore, he said Malaysia has been talking about food security for more than 25 years.
His Royal Highness also hopes that the Hulu Selangor area, bordering the Proton City in Perak, can be developed.
“There is a big population there, so we can focus on that and build better public transport so it will be easy for the people,” the Sultan added.
His Royal Highness said he has even suggested a few years back to set up an open concept zoo near the area.
Asked if he is satisfied with the state tourism body, His Royal Highness said there can be many improvements to boost the state tourism.
“I think we are ‘spoiled brats’, sorry to say this. We don’t look at tourism seriously because we have other natural resources such as rubber, palm oil, tin, oil and gas,” the Sultan said, adding that such tourism will bring in hard cash to the state’s economy and spillover to other industries.
Sultan Sharafuddin said that it is important for the state to lure high-value travellers to boost the local economy, adding that the state has a rich history with unique attractions.
“We have a lot of history but we do not tap this.
“Tourism Selangor must do something to highlight the historical aspect of Selangor.
“Tourism does not only mean shopping or high rise buildings. Tourists now are excited to see the environment such as forests and nature,” said Tuanku, adding that Sarawak has done a good job in promoting its local tourism.
The Sultan also shared that he has opened the gates of Istana Klang to the public for them to visit upon request.
“So far, we have recorded more than 25,000 visitors.
“I keep all the history there, it can take a whole day and (entrance) is free,” shared Sultan Sharafuddin.
