AMENDMENTS to the Penal Code (Act 574) have been proposed to provide heavier penalties for insulting religions, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa said.

He said the proposed amendments have been agreed on in essence and would soon be brought up in a cabinet meeting being they are tabled in the Dewan Rakyat sitting next month.

The amendments to the act will introduce more severe penalties to offenders, in addition to tightening prosecution processes iin court.

“We proposed the amendments as we feel that there are already such provisions in the Penal Code and we want to tighten that with heavier penalties,” he told reporters after launching the mosque standard rating at the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

Mujahid said that the proposed amendments were not only related to Islam, but all the religions in the country.

“(The proposed amendment encompasses) issues such as causing hate among religious groups, creating issues to cause discord and anger among the group, which are also included in the context of inciting 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,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Mujahid said the Pakatan Harapan government was highly committed in the issue of upholding 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 say that you are the one who cares about religion but you are playing a 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 said.

At the event, Mujahid also presented the letters of appointment to the committee members for the 2018-2020 term of 86 mosques and 109 surau in Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama, February 27, 2019.