Screening of foreign preachers necessary for national security - minister

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa said all Muslim and non-Muslim preachers in the country must be screened in the interests of national security.

Responding to the statement made by Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, the de facto religious affairs minister said this was consistent with his ministry’s stand that all preachers have to be vetted first.

This, he told reporters today, is to ensure that the views these preachers hold and bring into the country are consistent with the local context and sensitivities.

“There is also the possibility that in their lectures or talks, they do not appreciate the religious and racial sensitivities in the country.

“This is not just a question of religion but of national security,” Mujahid told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

This included preachers who were already in the country as well as those seeking to enter Malaysia.

“Yes, definitely foreign individuals, on whatever task they are in the country (for), of course, must be screened, especially when there is a report made against them.

“This goes for all preachers, Muslim or non-Muslim, especially when we are talking about national security,” he said.

The Parit Buntar MP, however, did not specify if and when the government will begin to conduct checks on preachers and missionaries in the country.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin told the Dewan Rakyat that all foreign preachers seeking to hold religious talks in Malaysia would first have their backgrounds vetted to ensure they are free from deviant teachings.

The Home Ministry will be working with the relevant religious bodies in the country, he said.

On this, Mujahid said his ministry and Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) would assist where necessary. - Mkini