KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Feb 2019:
The proposed amendments to the Penal Code (Act 574) is to provide heavier penalties to those who have insulted religions, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa.
He said the proposed amendments had been agreed in essence and expected to be brought up in the Cabinet meeting in the near future before being tabled at the Dewan Rakyat sitting next month.
The amendments to the Act would see more severe penalties awaiting offenders, in addition to tightening several prosecution processes – including the standard operating procedures (SOP) in court.
“We propose the amendments to be made as we feel that there is already such provision in the Penal Code and we just want to tighten it with heavier penalties,” he said at the launch of the mosque standard rating at the Federal Territory Mosque here yesterday.
Mujahid said the proposed amendments were not only related to Islam, but it also covered other religions in the country.
“(The proposed amendment encompasses) issues such as causing hate among religions, creates an issue to cause discord and anger between religions are also included in the context of religious hatred.
“That’s why we see this (the amendment) will offer broader definition and of course, whoever insults the Prophet will also be included in this specific clause to be created with set conditions that have yet to be determined.”
Earlier in his speech, Mujahid said the Pakatan Harapan government was highly committed in the issue of maintaining the glory of Islam and the unity of all religions in Malaysia as a whole.
“Do not mess with us, you can play politics by saying that we care less when comes to religion, you can politically say that you are the one who cares about religion but you are playing with dangerous game here. This is not about politics and parties, this issue is very dangerous as it involves the sentiment of the Muslims.
“That’s why I want to emphasise that we prioritise all issues and the existing laws will be strengthened to prevent people from criticising Islam and other religions.”
He also said all mosques and suraus in the Federal Territory will be evaluated and given star rating beginning this year.
He said this was to promote quality of governance at the religious institution which was in tandem with the ‘Masjid Rahmah’ concept to make the religious institution as a centre of excellence.
“It is important that Islam is seen as a model to the world not only to us … Perhaps we (the imam and mosque chairman) are ordinary people but our work is extraordinary as we have to promote the image of Islam in Malaysia.”
He said the evaluation on the mosques would be made later this year after all mosques have been given a briefing.
“Our intention is not to look down on mosques with low ratings but to encourage them to compete to do good as they will be evaluated on cleanliness, friendliness, activities and upkeep of surrounding areas.”
In the meantime, Mujahid advised the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council to send mosque officials to the Professional Imam Executive Diploma programme at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn, the first university to offer a course for imams.
“I am confident that through this programme the imams will be able to conduct themselves more professionally and ethically in dealing with problems of religion as well as in interacting with the community.”
Mujahid also reminded that mosques should be free from political influences and to remain as a venue to unify the Muslim ummah and society.
– Bernama