Focus on helping Malaysians instead of anti-propagation bill - Teresa Kok

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Idris Ahmad would do better to focus on helping Malaysians during the Covid-19 pandemic rather than create inter-religious anxiety.

This was after the Islamic affairs minister confirmed that the government was drafting a Control and Restriction on the Propagation of Non-Muslim Religions Bill but said it will be limited to the federal territories.

Several states also have similar enactments except for Sabah, Sarawak and Penang.

“I read with regret the statement by Idris that his department is planning to draft laws to curb the propagation of non-Islamic religions in the federal territories.

“The Federal Constitution is clear to all, and Idris does not have to create such laws in federal territories as this would cause unnecessary suspicion and anxiety between Muslims and non-Muslims,” Kok said in a statement today.

Idris clarified yesterday that the new bill will not infringe upon Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

He said the new bill was necessary, in view of Article 11(4) which requires a law to curb the propagation of non-Muslim religious belief among Muslims specific to each state or federal territory.

Teresa, however, argued that the current law is adequate and insisted that Idris redirect his efforts towards encouraging those of different faiths to help each other.

“As a cabinet minister, Idris should do his best during the current crisis to encourage people of different faiths to help each other, particularly the poor and marginalised throughout the country, including federal territories.

“He should instead project the teaching of kindness and charity in Islam to all Malaysians,” she said.

She called on Idris and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s cabinet to set the right priorities amid the pandemic.

“I urge Idris and the cabinet led by Ismail Sabri to set their priorities right during the Covid-19 pandemic, and not to create any unnecessary tension that would fracture the harmonious existence of our multi-ethnic and multi-religious society,” she added.

Four days ago, Idris’ deputy Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the government was drafting several new syariah laws, including the anti-propagation bill.

This had led to concerns by non-Muslim religious groups, who sought clarity from Putrajaya.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has said that his government does not plan to enact such laws to maintain harmony in Sabah - Mkini