Pro-moderation group G25 has criticised the country’s laws which penalises Muslims based on religious wrongdoings as matters should be left between the individual and God.
According to a report "Administration of Matters Pertaining to Islam in Malaysia" launched by the group today, this included against Muslims who fail to perform Friday prayers or wishing to leave the faith altogether.
The report's working committee chairperson Asiah Abu Samah, who presented the report, today said such laws were inconsistent with the Federal Constitution which guaranteed religious freedom.
G25 comprises a group of eminent Malay individuals advocates improving the standards of governance in the administration of the country in line with the constitutional provisions regarding the role of Islam.
“Article 11 (1) guarantees every person in Malaysia, and not merely citizens or non-Muslims, three distinct rights - the right to profess, practise and propagate his religion.
“There is no constitutionally permitted ground to prohibit the mere profession of one’s religion,” the report read.
The group said as such, no one should be forced to believe in God and to remain in Islam. Even so, it said the decision to leave Islam is “regrettable”.
“If he persists to forsake Islam, it is between him and God. There is no earthly punishment provided in the Quran.”
G25 pointed out that Malaysia once has laws which confirmed who has committed apostasy.
“These laws have now been repealed and replaced with vague legal provisions in most states that allow Syariah High Courts to declare a person is no longer Muslim.”
Also present at today’s launch in Kuala Lumpur are Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) commissioner Madeline Berma, Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairperson Noor Azimah Rahim, prominent thinker Chandra Muzaffar and Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) chairperson Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa.- Mkini
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