NON-MUSLIMS are free to propagate their respective religions and will not be affected by the proposed shariah bill to restrict the propagation of religion, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat.

The legislation in question is the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, otherwise known as RUU 355, and the control and restriction on the propagation of non-Muslim religions bill.

“The legislation does not involve non-Muslims, only Muslims,” he told the chamber during question time in response to a supplementary question by Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) about the concerns of non-Muslims over the proposed bills.

Meanwhile, Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang-PH) asked why there was the need for a bill to restrict the propagation of non-Muslim faiths when the Federal Constitution enables religious freedom, despite Islam’s status as the official religion.

Idris added that the bill is only meant for Muslims.

“Actually, the bill is to restrict the spread of doctrines and religious beliefs among Muslims only,” he said.

“The purpose of this bill is not to restrict religious freedom among non-Muslims.”

“Non-Muslims are free to propagate religious beliefs among themselves but not to Muslims,” he added.

The bill created unease among politicians and religious groups alike as they feared that it may restrict non-Muslim from propagating their faith. – October 6, 2021.