G25 spokesperson in the dark over 'khalwat' sedition probe

G25 spokesperson Noor Farida Ariffin does not know whether she is being investigated under the Sedition Act or otherwise.

“I don’t know but according to a report by MMO (Malay Mail Online), I am,” she told Malaysiakini in a text message.

Noor Farida also confirmed that she has yet to be summoned by police on the matter.

The Malay Mail Online today reported that a sedition investigation on Noor Farida was underway following her call to review Islamic laws governing khalwat (close proximity).

Malacca police chief Chuah Ghee Lye confirmed with the portal that police are investigating the former diplomat under Section 4(1) of the Act.

Five police reports have been lodged against Noor Farida thus far, one in Malacca and four from other states.

Noor Farida, at a conference earlier this month, said Islam does not promote intrusion into personal spaces, therefore, khalwat raids by religious authorities should be stopped.

The statement by G25 - a group comprised of top former civil servants - prompted a mufti to call for its abolition, and Muslim groups to condemn it for purportedly encouraging illicit sex.

In its response, G25 however stressed that it called for a review of syariah enactments to “protect the image and good name of Islam”.

Apart from coming under fire from the Muslim groups, Noor Farida has even received rape threats for calling for a halt on khalwat raids.

Animal Action Group president Sharul Nizam Ab Rahim had threatened her on Facebook last week that he will break into her home and rape her over her statement. -Mkini