Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today criticised religious authorities in Selangor and Penang, saying their actions are bordering on "arrogance of power".

"This is a dangerous signal to Malaysians, not only to non-Muslims, but also Muslims who are level headed and don't want to be perceived as arrogant," he told a press conference in Parliament today.

"Do not be perceived as insulting other races," he warned.

The Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) had gatecrashed a Hindu wedding after being tipped off that the bride was a Muslim while in Penang, the body of a Muslim convert was seized from a Chinese funeral.

Anwar also suggested that the religious authorities are taking such actions due to “pressure from fanatics”.

“I’m pretty sure the authorities obtained such information before the wedding (in Shah Alam). If so, you discuss and come to an amicable solution before the wedding. Don’t tell me they got the information when the wedding is ongoing,” he said.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guang Eng, who was also at the press conference, said that actions such as the one by religious authorities don’t “do Malaysia’s international image any good”.

“I only want to request, please do not give this perception as though the rights of non-Muslims don’t exist at all,” he said.

He said that he is going to meet the family of the deceased Chinese lady whose remains were taken away by the Penang Islamic authorities when the Chinese funeral was about to take place.

“From what I understand, the IC has not been changed at all,” he said.

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