Over 20 Muslim NGOs condemn 'shut down religious schools' claims

Over 20 Muslim NGOs condemn 'shut down religious schools' claims


Twenty-two Malay-Muslim NGOs today jointly condemned the viral claim that the Selangor government is out to shut down religious schools in the state.

Led by the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim), the groups reminded parties making such claims to check their facts, be truthful, and not manipulate or politicise related issues.

The groups also condemned the spread of slander to incite hatred among Malaysians, as it would hamper efforts to uphold Islam in the country.

“At the same time, to ensure that such cases do not recur, we stress the time has come for authorities to sternly act against elements of baseless slander,” they said.

Among signatories of the joint statement include Ikram, Malay Empowerment Platform (Teras), and Malaysian Muslim Association Consultative Council (Mapim).

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar also described the claims as having malicious intent.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar


He clarified that the process of “shutting down” religious schools as alleged was initiated by the Selangor government in 2021 to prevent past tragic incidents such as fires at unregistered private schools.

The allegations also linked the process to the purported influence of DAP as part of the Selangor government.

The Selangor government has also denied the claims, stressing that state ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has decreed for all religious schools to be registered under the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).

All registered institutions are also required to fulfil certain conditions.