What Muslims do behind closed doors not govt’s business, says Mujahid

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 6 Oct 2018 9:31AM · 6 Comments

WHAT Muslims do behind closed doors is none of the government’s business, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, reported The Star.

He was quoted as saying Islamic authorities investigating suspected cases of “khalwat” (Muslim men and women found in suspicious proximity) and other wrongdoings will no longer come knocking in the wee hours or break down doors.

“Let’s say you commit something within your personal, individual sphere – I will not interfere.

“For example, the consumption of alcohol is wrong for a Muslim, but if you consume it within your sphere, then as part of the government, I will not interfere,” he told the daily in an exclusive interview.

Dr Mujahid, who is in charge of religious affairs, said he faces an uphill task to change the image of Islamic authorities while pushing for inclusive reforms.

He said he has had to deal with numerous controversies, including the LGBT issue, underage marriage, public caning in the shariah court and sexual abuse in tahfiz schools, since taking office.

He said it is difficult to change the mindset of conservative civil servants.

Putting his foot down, Dr Mujahid said the Islam he seeks to uphold is “compassionate for all”, or “rahmatan lil alamin”.

“The government’s narrative of Islam will translate into policies, Islamic judiciary activities, our relations with other faiths.

“The compassionate Islam does not harm the people’s interests, nor (negates the) importance of national unity and harmony.”

He said he opposes forced entry by Islamic authorities to arrest “khalwat” offenders, adding that the matter of enforcement has been exploited.

“It is important that they (enforcement officers) do not interfere in the individual sphere.”

He said he is engaging with religious agencies at the state level to convince them to adopt fresh federal reforms.

The Amanah vice-president also hopes to do away with the Big Brother image.

“The reality is that in Malaysia, even though it is an Islamic matter, there will be a point where you have to confront problems relating to non-Muslims.

“For example, a (troubled) married couple, one of them converted, you have the children, the inheritance… I have to come in to protect the compassionate Islam.” – October 6, 2018.

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Comments

  • Then what will all those religious authorities do in their spare time?

    Posted 7 years ago by Geoff Kow · Reply

    • They will ' berkhalwat' lah in their office and home.

      Posted 7 years ago by Azis Yusoff · Reply

  • Absolutely correct, it is between the individual and the Almighty. Education is the key, not punishment and shaming. But it'll be a great challenge to get the state agencies to agree with this.

    Mostly use religion to assert power and authority, sick but true.

    Posted 7 years ago by Ali Khan · Reply

  • Government should only handle crimes not sins. Stop playing God all together.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Good start. With 1 billion ringgit annual budget, without raiding, probably we can reduce some.

    Posted 7 years ago by Jebat Hebat · Reply

  • Religion is a personal matter between the individual and his God. Others, stay out. There shouldn't be a Fasting Patrol during Ramadan. There shouldn't be Peeping Tom Squads breaking down hotel doors. What people do is their own private affair. If that transgresses his religious laws, let him answer to his God.

    Another concept that bemuses me is this so-called "freedom of worship". Are the Muslims in this country really free to worship whichever God? No, they are typebound from birth to be Muslims.

    Whereas others have the freedom to judge for themselves what faith they should follow e.g. a child in a Hindu family may grow up to attend Sunday School and later convert to become a Christian; no problem. But a Malay boy never ever has this privilege and freedom.

    Posted 7 years ago by Yok Foo Yap · Reply