Tired of 'muted' response, group won't file report against Muslim preacher
Published: Jun 7, 2024 5:33 PM
The Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) has decided not to lodge a police report against Muslim preacher Firdaus Wong despite urging authorities to act against him for encouraging the conversion of minors.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, GHRF president S Shashi Kumar claimed this is because the authorities have failed to act on their previous reports on similar issues.
Describing the response as “muted”, he said: “We have been lodging police reports since 2017 on such matters including on some preachers insulting other religions.
“When we lodged the reports, we also provided evidence. In my view, there is enough (proof) to charge them.
“However, the police and Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) always classified the cases as ‘NFA’ (no further action),” he added.
Shashi (above) revealed that GHRF also submitted memorandums to the relevant government departments and agencies but these too were met with inaction.
What about non-Muslim grievances?
Among the agencies approached were the Prime Minister’s Office, AGC, Home Ministry, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, National Unity Ministry and Bukit Aman.
The GHRF president said this is the reason the organisation started to push for the tabling of the Racial and Religious Hate Bill in Parliament instead.
Firdaus Wong
“But that doesn’t seem to be happening too,” he lamented.
Shashi said while the government has set up a 24-hour hotline for the public to lodge complaints about insults against Islam, there appeared to be a lack of effort in addressing the grievances of non-Muslims.
“Where is the protection for us?” he asked.
Previously, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said there are no plans to set up a similar service for non-Muslims since there is an existing unity issue management mechanism implemented by the Department of National Unity and National Integration.
Shashi said this is the reason behind GHRF and others turning to the courts to ensure those responsible face justice.
Leave denied
On Sept 26, the Kuala Lumpur High Court denied leave for GHRF and four other groups to proceed with a judicial review to compel the attorney-general and inspector-general of police to prosecute Muslim preacher Syakir Nasoha for his alleged inflammatory remarks against non-Muslims.
Judge Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid ruled that the applicants failed to provide prima facie (strong evidence) that the AG made the NFA with mala fide (bad faith).
“But that doesn’t seem to be happening too,” he lamented.
Shashi said while the government has set up a 24-hour hotline for the public to lodge complaints about insults against Islam, there appeared to be a lack of effort in addressing the grievances of non-Muslims.
“Where is the protection for us?” he asked.
Previously, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said there are no plans to set up a similar service for non-Muslims since there is an existing unity issue management mechanism implemented by the Department of National Unity and National Integration.
Shashi said this is the reason behind GHRF and others turning to the courts to ensure those responsible face justice.
Leave denied
On Sept 26, the Kuala Lumpur High Court denied leave for GHRF and four other groups to proceed with a judicial review to compel the attorney-general and inspector-general of police to prosecute Muslim preacher Syakir Nasoha for his alleged inflammatory remarks against non-Muslims.
Judge Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid ruled that the applicants failed to provide prima facie (strong evidence) that the AG made the NFA with mala fide (bad faith).
Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu
The Court of Appeal will decide on Aug 19 whether Shashi could be allowed to commence private prosecution against Firdaus and another controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu.
In the recent case involving Firdaus, Shashi said his remarks about converting underaged teenagers have raised concern among non-Muslim parents.
“Schools are places for children to be educated and taught about ethics, principles, morals and academics. But here, Firdaus is trying to teach teenagers to lie to their parents and you still expect non-Muslim parents to have faith in our national schools?” he asked.
The NGO leader censured the education minister, national unity minister and Jakim for keeping mum on the matter.
Shashi also urged MPs to “wake up and act” on these divisive issues.
Fridaus landed in the spotlight after GHRF exposed a TikTok video in which the preacher advised an individual on how to handle requests from teenagers who wanted to embrace Islam.
The preacher said the teenagers should be welcomed into Islam but their conversion must not be registered nor announced. He also shared tips on how these teenagers can discreetly practise Islam.
The Court of Appeal will decide on Aug 19 whether Shashi could be allowed to commence private prosecution against Firdaus and another controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu.
In the recent case involving Firdaus, Shashi said his remarks about converting underaged teenagers have raised concern among non-Muslim parents.
“Schools are places for children to be educated and taught about ethics, principles, morals and academics. But here, Firdaus is trying to teach teenagers to lie to their parents and you still expect non-Muslim parents to have faith in our national schools?” he asked.
The NGO leader censured the education minister, national unity minister and Jakim for keeping mum on the matter.
Shashi also urged MPs to “wake up and act” on these divisive issues.
Fridaus landed in the spotlight after GHRF exposed a TikTok video in which the preacher advised an individual on how to handle requests from teenagers who wanted to embrace Islam.
The preacher said the teenagers should be welcomed into Islam but their conversion must not be registered nor announced. He also shared tips on how these teenagers can discreetly practise Islam.
Bunch of unholy hypocrites
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