Act impartially against those who insult religions, Sabah mufti says

 Bungsu Aziz Jaafar says the authorities must be neutral to avoid accusations of double standards.

Sabah mufti Bungsu Aziz Jaafar said appropriate action must be taken against non-Muslims who disrespect the Quran to avoid the perception that it can ‘be treated lightly’.

PETALING JAYA:

 Sabah mufti Bungsu Aziz Jaafar said the authorities must act impartially against those who insult religions to prevent accusations of double standards.

Referring to a recent incident in which a university student sparked controversy by uploading a picture of himself stomping on the Quran, Bungsu said members of the public had noticed a difference in the reaction, Bernama reported.

“Members of the public also ask, ‘Why is it that when a Muslim insults another religion, they are asked to apologise or face certain measures, but when a non-Muslim does it, the response is different?’

“I am not suggesting the government is slow to act, but the approach must be balanced to dispel doubts that the authorities are not taking appropriate action,” he was quoted as saying.

Bungsu also said appropriate action must be taken against non-Muslims who disrespect the Quran to avoid the perception that it can “be treated lightly”.

He advised Muslims not to spread misinformation about the case and to leave the matter to the authorities to handle according to the law.

Bungsu said Muslims should verify information before sharing it.

“We are responsible for what we share,” he said, adding that non-Muslims should understand Islam’s status as the religion of the federation.

Earlier today, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said the student, which it identified as S Vikneswaran, would be charged tomorrow with defiling a sacred object with the intention of insulting Islam. - FMT