DAP man claims double standards on insults against religion

Klang MP V Ganabatirau today questioned the position of justice in Malaysia, claiming selective prosecution on the part of the authorities whom he said took immediate action only against those who criticise Islam. 

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, the DAP man said this amounted to unequal treatment as Muslims were not dealt with as quickly if they criticised other religions. 

He said this was not in line with Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal treatment under the law. 

"What we have found is, when two individuals said to be independent preachers criticise religions other than Islam, there can be 1,000 police reports but no action," he added during the oral question-and-answer session. 

"It can be brought to court and appealed, but after that it is categorised as NFA (no further action).

"Meanwhile, when people criticise the other side, within 24 hours they are caught and put in jail. 

"What has happened to the rule of law? What happened to justice and equality for all?" 

Ganabatirau had initially asked National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang if the government would act fairly in ensuring a stop to all insults towards every race and religion in the country. 

Aaron responded that the government would take action against every party, regardless of race or religion. 

Meanwhile, Kota Bharu MP Takiyuddin Hassan said there was no compulsion in Islam for non-Muslims to convert, adding that Islam also prohibited any insult towards other religions. 

"But in the context of the constitution, there can be no efforts to attract Muslims to embrace other religions," he said. 

"There are laws to this effect at the state level as well."