Calling atheism 'unconstitutional', Asyraf says no freedom from religion in Malaysia

PARLIAMENT | Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki told Parliament today that atheism was "unconstitutional" and an offence under the Sedition Act 1948.

Asyraf added that while the Federal Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion, it did not allow for freedom from religion.

"We need to understand in the context of Malaysia, freedom of religion stated in our Federal Constitution does not mean freedom not to have a religion.

"Because it is unconstitutional to spread the ideology of no religion in the context of this country. Freedom of religion is not freedom from religion," he said.

Asyraf was responding to a question from Siti Mariah Mahmud (Amanah-Kota Raja) who asked about the group Atheist Republic Consulate of KL, which she claimed was influencing Malay youths.

Siti (photo) also claimed the group had criticised other religions, including Islam, on social media.

Asyraf said that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) had sought to block the group's Facebook page, but failed.

"Jakim, in cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), had reported it to Facebook.

"Unfortunately Facebook responded that it did not violate their policy. If MCMC were to block it, they can't just block the page, but will need to block the whole of Facebook," he said.

Asyraf described atheism as "dangerous," noting that Section 11(4) of the Federal Constitution did not allow for the spread of other religions, beliefs or doctrines to Muslims in the country.

"As for non-Muslims, as we are all aware, it (atheism) goes against public order and morality laws.

"We have laws such as the Sedition Act 1948, where action can be taken under the law against anyone who spreads certain ideologies and doctrines, such as atheism which denies the sanctity of other religions.

"We cannot incite people to leave religion or promote no religion. In the Rukun Negara, it goes against the principle of belief in God," he said.- Mkini