KUALA LUMPUR – Despite being repeatedly told that his actions had not gone down well in Malaysia, Moroccan influencer Abdellatif Ouisa insisted that reciting Quranic verses at popular international spots made up the bulk of his online content.
Speaking to Scoop by phone, Abdellatif said certain verses were chosen as they were related to idols and idol worship, particularly when he recited them in front of Lord Muruga’s statue at Batu Caves.
He reiterated that his content and actions were not intended to hurt anyone’s feelings and he had done similar elsewhere without inviting public backlash.
“It is my practice to recite religious verses at scenic and well-known venues, such as the time I did it in the UK at a church museum.
“I didn’t expect this (backlash in Malaysia) at all as it is just content creation. After that (the video), I saw a lot of hateful comments which is why I put up an apology video.
“My intention was only to share about the Quran and do it everywhere, especially in nice places.”
However, when asked why he chose to recite a religious verse related to idol worship at Batu Caves, he said: “In my opinion, the verse needs to be related to idol worship.”
So far, his actions have been condemned by religious affairs minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Malaysia Hindu Sangam and the Batu Caves temple management, among others.
In Abdellatif’s apology video shared on his TikTok account yesterday, he said he did not know Lord Muruga was considered a god by Hindus. Prior to the initial Batu Caves video, he did the same thing at the Chin Swee Caves Temple in Genting Highlands.
Abdellatif’s video prompted an individual known as A. Rajeswary to lodge a report on Friday night at the Sentul district police headquarters. She was supported by 20 members of the public and the Global Human Rights Federation, a civil society organisation.
The influencer said he was aware of the police report filed against him via messages and comments left on his social media pages.
When asked if the authorities had contacted him, Abdellatif attempted to deflect the question, saying he did not have time.
He soon ended the call when he was asked to confirm that he was in Langkawi.
Based on his recent social media posts, Abdellatif appeared to be on a resort island in Malaysia near the Thai border. One of his videos on his Instagram Stories also showed a Kedah flag on a beach.
This week, Abdellatif uploaded several videos of his visits to non-Muslim places of worship.
Much of the content from the visits have been taken down since his apology video.
Abdellatif, an influencer famous for sharing religious content, boasts a substantial following across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
Additionally, he holds the position of chief executive at Abdeen Academy, a Quran recital school, and serves as the driving force behind Hijra Thobes, a clothing label dedicated to shariah-compliant attire. – May 26, 2024