No need for new proselytisation laws, says Jamil

People take part in a “million Muslim” rally in Shah Alam, October 22, 2011. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — Existing laws are adequate to address a claimed rise in the proselytisation of Muslims, said Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom today, adding that failure to enforce such laws was what needed redress.

The minister in charge of Islamic affairs was responding to newspaper reports alleging that attempts to convert Muslims were increasing in the country.

According to Jamil, enforcement of the Enactment on the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religion to Muslims has been scant despite its introduction in the 1980s.

The enactment, effective in ten states, was responsible for the recent Home Ministry ban on the Al-Kitab Malay-language bibles last year. The ban was lifted in April this year, ahead of the Sarawak state election.

“In this matter, what is crucial is to brief officers on the enactment so that the law can be enforced,” Jamil was quoted by Bernama Online today.

Claims related to incidences of proselytism towards Muslims have increased of late, following a controversial raid by Selangor’s Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) in August over allegations of proselytism.

Proselytisation of Muslims is illegal in Malaysia.

The purported phenomenon also moved several Muslim groups to hold a “million Muslim” rally in Shah Alam in October to stem the alleged threat of Christianisation. Fewer than 10,000 showed up.

During the recently-concluded Umno general assembly, senior party leaders sought to depict political rival DAP as anti-Malay and Islam.

Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia also alleged earlier this year that DAP was conspiring with church leaders to usurp Islam as the religion of the federation and install a Christian as prime minister.