No ban on Penang Muslims visiting churches, temples

 

Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, chairman of the Penang Islamic religious council, said it would not follow in the footsteps of Selangor. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Islamic religious authorities in Penang said today there would be no prohibition on anyone from inviting Muslims to attend activities in non-Muslim houses of worship for the purpose of understanding other religions.

The state would not follow in the footsteps of the Selangor religious authorities but would instead follow existing laws, said deputy chief minister Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who is head of the Penang Islamic religious council.

“If we prohibit anything, it will be the proselytising of other religions to Muslims, as stated in the acts and enactments,” he said, according to a Sinar Harian report.

“To maintain harmony among the community, if anyone wishes to invite Muslims to visit non-Muslim houses of worship for the purpose of understanding their religion, they can do so, but not for any other reason,” he said at a press conference.

Zakiyuddin said organisers of such events should refer to the council before going ahead, so that the event can be done in a proper manner.

However, those not involved in social work that has to do with  national unity should not organise such events, he said.

Earlier today, the chairman of the Selangor Islamic religious council said any activities to persuade or influence a Muslim to be inclined towards any non-Muslim religion is prohibited in Selangor. - FMT