Deputy minister: Make it a crime to convert Muslims

An Umno deputy minister has proposed that a 'faith crime act' (Akta Jenayah Akidah) be enacted to criminalise any action to proselytise Muslims.

This follows the raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), and allegations that Christian organisations convert Muslims by offering financial assistance,

According to a report published by Utusan Malaysia, Deputy Education Minister Puad Zarkashi (right) said the nation is in dire need of such a law as the phenomenon of apostasy is spreading and no longer seems a secret.

"That's why, from long ago, I have been proposing, if possible, to have a faith crime act tabled in Parliament in order to ensure there is no effort to apostatise Muslims in our country," Utusan quoted him as saying.

The Batu Pahat MP who is also Umno supreme council member was reported to have said this at an event at Parit Kapis yesterday.

On the issue of the DUMC raid, Puad called on all quarters to respect the federal constitution which clearly prohibits non-Muslims from preaching to Muslims.

"In other words, non-Muslims must abide by the constitution that they cannot do anything to proselytise their faith to Muslims," he said, adding that hiding behind welfare aid to convert Muslims should also be prohibited.

Wide coverage

Utusan, the Malay daily owned by Umno, continued to give wide coverage on the apostasy issue today.

Apart from statements from politicians condemning Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and PKR over the handling of the issue, the daily also published a reader's letter urging the government to form a royal commission of inquiry to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegation.

Jamal Lulkhir Jaludin from Pasir Salak said that the issue should not be closed without a definite answer.

"Muslims should suffer from the syndrome of being dumb, blind and deaf."

In another related development, the Facebook page set up last Saturday to support Jais and Selangor exco member Hasan Ali has attracted over 9,000 fans.

According to information stated on the fan page named '1,000,000 Muslims support Jais and Hasan Ali to prevent apostasy', it was formed after the DUMC raid and the report of Berita Harian which claimed that Christian organisations converted Muslims with financial assistance.