KUALA LUMPUR – Existing legislation is sufficient to deal with anyone who insults Islam as the religion of the federation, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad.
Speaking as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme today, he said this included Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Act 1997 and Section 211 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) is also already there, it also imposes punishment on those who insult the religion with imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than seven years,” he said.
His comments come following a recent increase in the number of incidents where individuals were alleged to have insulted Islam.
According to Idris, the legal actions taken were to maintain strong religious harmony in the country.
Meanwhile, in a post on his Facebook page, Idris advised the public not to make comments which could insult religious and racial sensitivities.
“Our Muslim community is quite angry and disappointed. Let us not go against religious teachings, Eastern customs and morals. Make sure to always think long and hard before doing anything,” he said.
He added that the authorities should take immediate action against the individuals concerned so that the matter could be nipped in the bud. – Bernama, August 25, 2022
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