NGO: Apologise to Muslims for conversion attempt

Don't do unto others what you don't want 
others to do unto you. You feel uneasy when 
muslims are being converted but you are all 
out to convert Christians to Islam. What justice 
is this!

A Muslim NGO has demanded an apology to all Muslims from those involved in the controversial thanksgiving dinner held at the premises of the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC).

This is because it is clear from Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree yesterday that there indeed were attempts to subvert the faith and beliefs of Muslims at the function, although legal action could not be taken because of a lack of evidence, the NGO said.

In a statement today, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) said it welcomed the sultan’s remarks assuring Muslims that the integrity of their faith was under his watch and care against “the threat of Christianisation”.

“The (issues raised by the event) have caused Muslims to feel concerned that it will become a concern and a threat if not stopped," said Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.

“His (Highness’) stand, which views Jais’ actions objectively, has shown his concern for this sensitive issue.”
Jais, or the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department, had raided a thanksgiving function on Aug 3 organised by Harapan Komuniti, a welfre group, at the auditorium of the DUMC.
The department claimed to be investigation allegations that Muslims were being subjected to Christian proselytisation. It then conducted a probe on 12 Muslims who had been present that evening.
'View issues holistically'

Isma also called on state religious councils and religious affairs departments nationwide to learn from the incident and “always take proactive measures to see issues holistically".

Rather than treat the 12 as having committed a ‘crime’, Isma said they should be perceived as victims of conversion attempts and counselled so that any confusion or misunderstanding they may have about their faith can be corrected.

This includes taking measures that address the family background, social interactions and problems and other factors that may have made them susceptible to the plans and tactics of Christian evangelists.

In addition to recommending that the staff of Islamic affairs departments be made more aware of their responsibilities in upholding the sanctity of Islam, Isma also urged that the level of the services and operating procedures of these bodies be improved.
“That the organiser of the event was let off (without) any charge should serve as a (lesson).”

Brave in telling the truth

Meanwhile, according to Bernama, Malaysia Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) president Amidi Abdul Manan said the sultan's statement was rational and also showed compassion as enjoined by Islam.

"Tuanku's statement is meaningful for all as it was firm and brave in telling the truth on attempts to proselytise Muslims but at the same time, encouraged mutual respect to preserve religious harmony.

"It is clear that his majesty very much understands the spirit of consensus and at the same time, is firm about curbing extreme religious groups," he was quoted as saying.

Amidi said Jais' action, which was within its jurisdiction, had given a clear message to the group involved to respect Islam as the official religion of this country, as provided in the federal constitution, and not to repeat their offending action.

According to the news agency, Kelantan Isma branch head Sharipudin Ab Kadir said the sultan's statement on the issue was apt and had taken into account the syariah provisions in Selangor and other states.

"Counselling should be actively carried out, among other measures, to resolve the socio-economic problems of those Muslims needing help," he said.