Dr Zul rapped for “soft” approach, prioritising education over punishment in stepping on Quran viral video

 

IT IS a concerning sign of the times that one is unable to keep up with the multitude of 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues causing outrage to all and sundry.

The latest incident involves a Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) student who is suspected of uploading an image of a Quran being trampled upon on social media.

Reacting to the inflammatory incident, Religious Affairs Minister Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan is of the view that “the issue of trampling on the Quran needs to be addressed with wisdom and discernment”.

“Taking an educational approach rather than directly punishing is in line with the concept of taaruf in Islam which is to get to know each other, understand and approach each other with knowledge and good morals,” he justified.

Somehow the Minister’s calls for calm and for wisdom to prevail did not go down well with certain quarters.

Shared on MalaysiaGazette’s Facebook platform, the post has generated 7.7K likes, 8.1K comments and 1K shares with some wondering aloud at the 49-year-old Syariah professor’s choice of words.

One asked if the over-conciliatory tone was due to his fear of losing the Cabinet portfolio which he inherited from predecessor Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar during the Madani government’s second Cabinet reshuffle on Dec 16 last year.

Editor’s Note: Police have arrested the UMPSA student suspected of insulting Islam on social media. The case is being investigated under Section 295 of the Penal Code for defiling an object considered sacred with the intent to insult religion which provides for up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine or both.

Additionally, the case is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities which provides for up to a year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000 or both.

The apologetic tone of the Minister also did not sit well with some unimpressed observers.

Many clearly wanted firmer action or at least tougher words to deter others from repeating this despicable act. They were screaming for the book to be thrown at the offender and not just be given a stern lecture.

The verdict on the Minister’s response was damning – “weak”. It was also argued that there was a time and place for a “soft approach” but this was NOT it.

After all, this was a 3R act that could lead to racial strife. Take appropriate action was the clear message here.

It was argued that even in Western countries, the act of denigrating the holy book would have received stiff punishment and not just a gentle reminder to not do it again.

Moreover, it was pointed out that the suspect is a university student who need not be taught such simple things.

Needless to say, the Minister’s perceived weakness was used as a stick to beat the perceived “liberal” Madani government where “vices such as alcohol consumption, gambling, LBGT are prevalent”.

More than one disgruntled commenter felt it was double standards. The incident where ERA radio announcers were said to ridicule Hindu Kavadi traditions was raised, highlighting the opprobrium the offenders there were subject to as well as the hefty fine dished out for the radio station.

Why shouldn’t this university student face similar backlash and punishment?

Things are getting very heated up. Hence, it is understandable that certain ministers may not wish to further raise the temperature by making ill-advised or inflammatory statements.

But it would appear Senator Zulkifli has misjudged public sentiment, many of whom are unimpressed by his all-too-forgiving approach in this matter. – Focus Malaysia