PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today supported Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa’s sentiment that there will be no more khalwat raids.

Dr Mahathir told reporters that Islam has never taught its believers to pry on others.

“Islam never taught us to pry on others, to look for people who commit sins.

“Islam is not a cruel religion, it is not about chopping hands. Islam is more than just that,” said the Langkawi MP after delivering the keynote speech at the Inaugural Conference to Honour The International Day of Older Persons in KLCC.

In an exclusive interview with The Star, Mujahid said what Muslims do behind closed doors is none of the government’s business.

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.

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, child 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, 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.

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

Mujahid 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 state religious authorities 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 Islam (as a compassionate religion).” – October 6, 2018.