KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al Bakri (pix) today urged the public to let relevant authorities take necessary action against the non-Muslim man who claimed on video, that he will be apostatising a Muslim woman. The video has gone viral.
He said the police were now investigating the matter.
“The position of Islam is guaranteed under Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, while Article 11 of the Federal Constitution recognises the rights and freedom of religion for Muslims and those from other religions.
“Even so, the spread of religions, other than Islam, is subject to Article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution,“ he said in a statement today.
He said the clause empowered states to formulate laws to control the spread of other religions to Muslims, including attempts to persuade, coax or invite Muslims to leave their religion either through preaching, marriage or any other means.
Zulkifli said almost all states have the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment, which is based on Article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution.
“I understand that the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment for the Federal Territory is currently in the final process of drafting. This is one of the government’s priorities in strengthening the syariah law in Malaysia,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), in a separate statement, said that it will mobilise all necessary efforts to ensure that the issue of Islamic faith in the country is well understood.
It said that the internal machinery at the central and state levels will be mobilised to intensify the efforts and to be further strengthened with the involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially 280 Muslim NGOs under the Malaysian Islamic Charity Council (Maim).
“For sure legal action and law enforcement are crucial, but aspects of education, awareness and concern need to be emphasised for long-term stability.
“Yadim is also aware and understands the grievances of the community when this issue arises. It is not just about understanding the faith that is the basis of a Muslim but also the issue of understanding the Constitution that is the basis of being a Malaysian citizen,” it said. -Bernama
