Govt denies double standards in action against teachings contrary to Islamic creed

IPOH - The government has denied allegations of double standards in taking action against teachings alleged to deviate from Islamic creed, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said the government always upholds the sanctity of Islam, and any allegations involving teachings contrary to Islamic creed would be investigated before further action is taken.

"There are no double standards. We are committed to upholding the sanctity of Muslims’ faith. Insya-Allah, we will continue to do everything necessary to safeguard the sanctity of Islam in Malaysia,” he told reporters when met at the Digital Transformation Programme for Islamic Education Institutions (Digital IPI), and witnessing the use of the Digital Maker Hub (DMH) facilities at Pondok Darul Furqan here today.

Zulkifli was responding to questions by certain quarters on the government’s action over the New Age Movement (NAM) ideology, including comparisons with the action taken against Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) previously.

He also stressed that any allegations against non-governmental organisations (NGOs) suspected of practising or subscribing to the ideology would be investigated by the authorities before further action is taken.

In a related development yesterday, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) held a meeting and a tabayyun (verification) session with Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli to obtain clarification regarding the NAM teachings issue, which has also been linked to her.

JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the session involved the Federal Territories Mufti, the JAKIM Creed Expert Panel (PPA) and relevant parties to ensure that the matter was examined from the perspectives of creed, religious authority and the ideological background of the movement. - BERNAMA