Lawyer: Stop branding DUMC 12 as apostates

The syarie lawyer for 12 Muslims present at a thanksgiving event in a church complex recently has urged the public and the press to cease attempts to brand them as apostates.

Lawyer Muhamad Burok said that several articles, including those found online, had published the personal details of the 12 and had exposed them to danger.

“As their syarie lawyer, I should remind everyone to refrain from accusing any Muslim person as apostates, which is tantamount to the offence of takfir,” he said in a statement today.

Takfir is the act of accusing a fellow Muslim of being an apostate or unbeliever.

The 12 were questioned by Jais after they were found to be attending a dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church.

Jais said that they were carrying out an inspection upon receiving information that Muslims were being subjected to proselytising efforts.

Although a final report by Jais on the matter had yet to be made public, numerous reports in newspapers and online have alleged and condemned Christian efforts to convert Muslims.

Authorities must maintain confidentiality

On the 12, Muhamad said that such articles had subjected them to public ridicule, contempt, harassment and compromised their personal safety.

“We call upon everyone involved in the media to act with reason and wisdom by refraining from making any disparaging publications and postings in order that we can bring calm and perspective to our culturally and religiously diverse community,” he said.

As for the authorities, Muhamad said that they must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and not leak personal information.

“ln this regard, we state that our clients do not deserve to be treated with scorn and ridicule especially during this holy month of Ramadhan,” he said.

He said that all quarters must act with “introspection and circumspection” to assist the administration of the law in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.