Mujahid denies saying there will be no more khalwat raids

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 7 Oct 2018 8:57AM · 11 Comments

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa has denied saying there will be no more khalwat raids.

He said what was reported by The Star, which he gave an exclusive interview to, did not come from him, and “was probably added by the paper themselves”.

“I did not mention the issue – stopping khalwat raids at night, or (putting a stop to) breaking down doors (by Islamic authorities investigating suspected cases of khalwat or other vice activities),” he told TV Alhijrah this morning.

“All of it must have come from the editors making their own summary of my statement.

“I only touched on things that are done in public and in private, such as the abuse of power by the authorities who break into a person’s personal, individual sphere, which does not reflect Islamic values.

“If we are suspicious, we will act, but it will be within the confines of the law,” said the minister in charge of religious affairs.

Mujahid’s reported remarks had sparked a furious debate among Islamic conservatives, religious leaders, civil society groups and politicians.

It was reported that he said what Muslims do behind closed doors is none of the government’s business.

“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,” The Star quoted him as saying.

Asked about Mujahid’s reported statement on khalwat raids, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said he supports it.

He told reporters that Islam has never taught believers to pry into the affairs of others.

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

Muslim women’s rights group Sisters in Islam (SIS) lauded the report on the end of khalwat raids, saying it supports Mujahid prioritisation of the concept of “rahmatan lil alamin” (compassion for all) in Islam.

It said the minister’s stand reflects “a mature Islamic position, and is aligned with Malaysia’s aim to be a modern and progressive nation”.

SIS said the moral policing by religious authorities has caused physical, psychological and emotional trauma for many Muslims.

Mujahid appealed to all parties to stop manipulating the reported statement, which he said gives the impression that “I am supporting vice”.

“A sin is a sin, whether it is done in public or in private. The difference is in enforcement. Our enforcement priority is to keep public order.” – October 7, 2018.

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Comments

  • .... maybe they got excess money, thats how they manage to conduct such raids

    Posted 5 years ago by Sabah One · Reply

  • Wonder whether they dare raid 5 stars hotels in ransom

    Posted 5 years ago by Sabah One · Reply

    • The authorities will normally conduct their investigation based on reports received. They don't simply raids without solid evidences. I think as public we should support our authorities that are doing their duties. However, if they go overboard, then it is the public role to condemned them.

      Posted 5 years ago by Hisshamuddin Omar · Reply

    • No... why should it be supported ?! Why raid in the first place ?!? Whatever done behind close doors is up to the individual or individuals and God. So long as it's not against the law of the land, so be it.

      Posted 5 years ago by Ali Khan · Reply

  • Turncoat...because of pressure from the radicals?...a pas man will always be a pas man?

    Posted 5 years ago by Chandran menon · Reply

    • Pls read his full texts before we judge

      Posted 5 years ago by Hisshamuddin Omar · Reply

  • So stop giving interview to MCA paper, bodoh!

    Posted 5 years ago by Laza Jubu · Reply

  • Star has no credibility.

    Posted 5 years ago by Will Be Humble · Reply

  • Sudah takut?

    Posted 5 years ago by Yoon Fatt Ng · Reply

  • Strong leaders will stand by their principles and do no u turn despite external pressure

    Posted 5 years ago by Angeline Yee · Reply

  • What Human SOW that is what he or she goin to REAP So why worry The ETERNAL ENERGY WILL TAKE CARE OF ITS CREATION Human remain Human. Human has no crediblity to behave like GOD

    Posted 5 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply