A Hindu man in Malaysia created a video, that has since gone viral on social media, explaining how he is converting his Muslim wife to Hinduism. This revelation triggered much of the Muslim community in Malaysia.
Later, a second video surfaced, this time from the Hindu man’s wife. In this video, she explained how she is a citizen of Indonesia and has since completed her journey of renouncing her faith in Islam while living there.
Look I’m just a simple fellow who doesn’t know anything, but I really think that if a person decides to convert from Islam to Hinduism they don’t need to be reported to the police by concerned citizens and then investigated by the government https://t.co/H19WA1kVtn
— Christoph (@Halalcoholism) February 21, 2021
Abdul Aziz, the Director of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia(Jakim), is aware of the viral video raising concerns among Muslims. He told the public to resist speculation and to trust that the appropriate authorities will examine the Hindu man’s video that explained how his now ex-Muslim wife left Islam.
He issued a statement saying “Jakim has been made to understand that the issue is under the attention of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) after receiving several complaints from several parties.”
Malaysian Police Looking for Man Wanted for Alleged Apostasy
"Police have recorded statements for the family members of a 29-year-old man... The man made the claim in a three-minute video that was posted on social media."https://t.co/vgafOIIDDH
— Ex-Muslims of North America (@ExmuslimsOrg) February 25, 2021
He continued saying, “therefore, Jakim urges the public to allow the issue to be handled by the relevant authorities for them to decide on the next course of action.”
Abdul Aziz reminded the public that legal action can be taken against anyone who tries to convert a Muslim according to the Control and Restriction Of The Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Enactment, which is enforced in several states of Malaysia. He added that legal consequences also apply to any Muslim who leaves Islam under the Shariah Criminal Offences Enactment.
Aziz reminded the public how the Shariah Criminal Offences Enactment forbids Muslims from apostasizing from Islam. Likewise, legal action can be taken against any non-Muslim attempting to convert a Muslim individual. Furthermore, non-Muslims must convert to Islam for the marriage to be legally recognized.
Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department of Religious Affairs in Malaysia also addressed the public to ease concerns: “The position of Islam is guaranteed under Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, while Article 11 of the Federal Constitution recognizes the rights and freedom of religion for Muslims and those from other religions.”
He said the clause empowers states to prevent the spread of other religions to Muslims by creating laws. This includes any attempt to persuade, invite or coax Muslims to turn away from Islam either through marriage, preaching, or any other possible way.
Update on February 25th, 2021: Family members of the 29-year-old man wanted by police for apostatizing his wife, gave recorded statements to authorities. The man in question made a confession of sorts on a video.
The police chief advised that the man’s sister and father claimed that he hasn’t been home for a long time.
"We are still locating him. I urge the public not to take matters into their own hands and let the authorities investigate it. We will investigate the matter fairly and actions will be taken in accordance with the law, ” he said.
Police instructed the public not to spread statements that could possibly incite more anger among Muslims.
On February 19th, authorities searched a home in Perjiranan Dato Onn after they received information abouta group of people planning to raid the house themselves because they believed the suspect was inside. However, police did not find the suspect in the house.
