THE oppression of Shia Muslims was discussed in a meeting between the Council of Eminent Persons and Islamic scholars today.

This was confirmed by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) research fellow at the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), Mohd Faizal Musa, after his meeting with the council today.

“Yes, it was discussed, but I can not give details about it,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Faizal, also known by his pen name Faisal Tehrani, are among individuals who have had brushes with the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) for being associated with Shias.

Seven of the lecturer’s books have been banned since 2013 for alleged involvement in the second largest branch of Islam.

Faizal said he also proposed to the council to set up a religious council to look into the matter as part of reform efforts.

He said members of the religious council should also include those from non-religious groups.

“The members should comprise of not only religious scholars, but academicians, community activists, sociologists and so on,” he said.

Also present to advise the council today are two muftis – Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin from Perlis and Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor from Penang.

Asri, among others, briefed the council on the issues involving Jakim while Wan Salim discussed Islamic sectarian differences in Malaysia.

The majority of Muslims in Malaysia are Sunni. – June 27, 2018.