Mais: Programmes to interest Muslims in other religions illegal

 

Programmes made to persuade or influence any Muslim to tend to or interest in non-Muslim religions are prohibited in Selangor and go against state laws.

This is according to Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.

He was referring to advertisements and brochures being circulated on social media on Impact Malaysia’s “Projek Artikel 11” under the “Jom Ziarah” programme, which involves youth visiting houses of worship as part of the agency’s efforts to increase awareness of the country’s diverse society.

An upcoming line-up of the programme is a visit to The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Klang tomorrow.

“From the advertisements and brochures, Mais is of the opinion that the programme has elements to attract youth, especially Muslim youth, to learn or gain knowledge related to religions other than Islam.

“If such a programme is allowed to be organised, it can influence the thinking of Muslim youth in a subtle and subconscious manner to be interested in a religion other than Islam,” Aziz said in a statement today.

Selangor Islamic Religious Council chairperson Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof

Furthermore, according to him, understanding, tolerance, and unity of the community were crucial to ensure Malaysia’s harmony and security but programmes to study religions other than Islam in churches or other religious houses should be done under certain controls and restrictions.

This is to ensure there are no elements to persuade Muslims who are easily influenced and interested in other religions and to make sure that no Muslims are involved in the rituals of other religions, Aziz added.

‘Be more careful’

Aziz took note of the fact that the programme, which was originally open to everyone, is now being converted and limited to non-Muslim youths.

However, he lamented the fact that the amendments are not reflected in the brochures and advertisements being circulated online.

“Mais advises any organiser from the public sector, NGOs or other bodies that intend to hold activities and programmes on the basis of unity and harmony to be more careful and maintain the sensitivity of Muslims and the community in our country,” he said.

“Projek Artikel 11” made the headlines on Monday when Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin claimed it was a “Christian evangelist” programme.

Mastura M Rashid, the vice-president for strategy and development of Impact Malaysia, an agency under the Youth and Sports Ministry, denied the claim.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also weighed in on the matter, quoting precedents set by PAS leaders about Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship.

So far, “Jom Ziarah” has brought eight Chinese and Indian youths to the Federal Territory Mosque on March 4 and three Chinese youths to the Gurdwara Sahib in Shah Alam on March 11.

Following the brouhaha, the programmes “Jom Ziarah Gereja” and “Jom Ziarah Kuil Hindu” on March 18 and 19 respectively have been cancelled. - Mkini