The Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) has returned the Multiracial Reverted Muslims’ (MRM) confiscated street dakwah (proselytisation) equipment, following a meeting yesterday afternoon at the DBKL headquarters.
The group had met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, Azman Abidin, to discuss the matter, and concluded that its proselytisation efforts were also allowed to continue as long as it adhered to local regulations.
“The conclusion of the discussion? The MRM street dakwah items seized by DBKL will be returned, and MRM’s street dakwah activities will continue as usual,” said MRM founder and celebrity preacher Firdaus Wong in a Facebook post yesterday.
The preacher also said that Azman had expressed support for MRM’s dakwah efforts and discussed various other topics.
On Feb 18, DBKL officers took down the group’s tents for violating regulations on obstructing pedestrian walkways.
The council stressed that it has never prohibited public proselytisation, and that the enforcement action was intended to maintain the safe use of urban spaces.
The following day, DBKL also said that its management plans to hold a meeting with MRM to discuss long-term solutions and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Azman had also publicly shared the outcome of his meeting with MRM, emphasising that the discussion focused on ensuring ways for the group to adhere to local guidelines.
“Our discussion focused on efforts to simplify the organisational procedures for MRM’s street dakwah activities, ensuring that they align with the guidelines and regulations set by local authorities, specifically by DBKL.
“I appreciate the efforts being carried out and I support their implementation within the parameters allowed by the law. Compliance with existing regulations will ensure that all parties can move forward in a professional and prudent manner,” he said on Facebook yesterday.
Widespread controversy
The incident last week had led to widespread controversy, particularly from religious groups, who questioned whether the authorities were undertaking deliberate efforts to halt Islamic preaching and proselytisation.
PAS’ Arau MP Shahidan Kassim had also questioned if the move was part of the KL mayor’s new policies.
At the time, Wong initially claimed that his party did not receive any summons notice or inventory list regarding details of the seizure and offences committed.
He stressed that MRM had been carrying out such activities for 14 years and had never been informed of any need to seek a permit.
He also claimed that 12 officers had seized canopies, wagons, and propaganda materials during their event on Feb 18.
Following this, Anwar reminded that even Muslim proselytisers needed to adhere to the law.
The premier also shared that he had personally been involved in dakwah activities before, but stressed that it must be done without breaking the law. - Mkini
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