KUALA LUMPUR – A PKR MP has questioned the Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) apparent silence over controversial preacher Firdaus Wong’s statements supposedly advocating for the conversion of non-Muslim children to Islam.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, government backbencher Hassan Abdul Karim (Pasir Gudang-PH) did not mince his words in condemning Suhakam’s lackadaisical attitude towards the issue, which he said has raised concerns among the non-Muslim community.
Suhakam, the lawmaker said, has a responsibility to speak out on human rights issues, especially since it does not function as a political party, nor does it have to worry about losing votes during elections.
“As a Muslim, I consider this matter seriously for the sake of our nation’s unity… Why has there been no response from Suhakam (regarding Wong’s comments)?” Hassan asked during his debate on the commission’s annual reports in the lower house.
“Suhakam is surely aware that religious freedom is a universal right for all citizens, regardless of whether they’re Muslim or non-Muslim.
“Suhakam has opted to remain silent and not state its stance on racial discrimination issues as well as (matters concerning) religious freedom, which is a right guaranteed under the Federal Constitution,” he added.
On Tuesday, it was reported that police are investigating Wong for alleged incitement, following police reports against a TikTok video of him providing advice to another person on how to informally convert minors to Islam without the knowledge of their families.
Investigations are being conducted under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code, which covers the offence of public mischief. Those found guilty can be punished with an imprisonment term of up to two years and a fine.
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) had earlier called for action to be taken against Wong for his “immoral and illegal” plan to convert minors to Islam.
The council said Wong’s “secret conversion plan” to simply utter the shahadah would be void ab initio (from the beginning) due to its non-compliance with Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution, which states that the religion of those under 18 years old is decided by their parents or guardians.
Responding to backlash against the video, Wong told Scoop that the attacks against him were hypocritical as children convert to other religions as well, claiming that public anger arises only when Islam is involved. – June 27, 2024