Stop insulting Islam, minister reminds provocateurs

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad yesterday sent out a reminder to certain quarters to stop insulting Islam as such issues are very sensitive.

He expressed concern that such provocations could lead to untoward incidents.

"I would like to send a reminder that matters on Islam can be sensitive. I would like to remind those who insult Islam, especially those who reside in this country, to stop the insults. We live peacefully with each other, you can pray your way, and we, ours.

"Because there is this worry... Malay Muslims cannot be separated from religion. If their religion, their prophet is insulted, they will react. This, we do not want. And that is why, we must show respect, and do not resort to insults.

"We do not insult your religion, and you do not insult ours," he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme last night.

Idris was asked his views on the actions of a group of foreigners who had gathered in front of the Batu Caves to express their support for the 'Hindu Samachar' movement as well as the actions of a politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - Nupur Sharma who had issued insulting statements about Prophet Muhammad early this month.

On abuse of social media, Idris urged content producers to pay more attention to ethical and moral values in their videos before uploading them.

"For Muslims, what we do will be judged when we die. As for non-Muslims, all religions do not allow us to do things that go against moral and ethical values, and this should serve as a guide in our lives.

"And let's not use social media to kill characters just to earn money through the number of views," he said.

Idris said he has instructed agencies such as the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (JAKIM) to produce more short videos with the concept of dakwah and those containing moral messages beneficial to the community.

"Those are efforts we have embarked on. Besides this, if there are things that are morally wrong, I would usually contact the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act on the content aired on social media," he said.

-- BERNAMA