FOURTEEN teachings that have been declared deviant through official fatwas are still active in Malaysia, with all of them currently under close monitoring by the authorities.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the government is working closely with enforcement agencies and religious authorities at both federal and state levels to ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with existing laws.
“We want to ensure that any action taken is consistent with Islamic rulings and the law, fair and aligned with existing provisions.
“At the same time, we also need to enlighten the public about the dangers posed by these deviant teachings,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the handover ceremony for post-flood assistance under the MADANI Ihsan Mission at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Padang Midin.
Addressing concerns over the persistence of deviant teachings, Zulkifli said such movements never truly disappear and are constantly attempting to influence and corrupt public thinking.
“The role of the government alone is not sufficient. Civil society, Islamic non-governmental organisations and related institutions must work together and synergise their efforts to address this issue so that Malaysia can continue to serve as a model of a moderate, progressive and peaceful Islamic nation,” he said.
He noted that the rise of social media has created new challenges, but his ministry is continuing public education programmes, including through the offices of state muftis, to raise awareness about the characteristics and dangers of deviant teachings.
“What is important is not only to counter deviant teachings, but how we present the true teachings of Islam so that these distorted beliefs can be completely eradicated,” he said.
Previously, police confirmed that 14 teachings declared deviant remain active, with eight of them under active surveillance by the authorities.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay was reported as saying that a total of 154 teachings have been declared deviant in Malaysia since 1950. - January 3, 2025
