DPM: Preachers banned by S’pore have done no wrong here
PETALING JAYA: There was no issue in Malaysia with the talks given by independent preacher Haslin Baharim and the grand mufti of Zimbabwe Ismail Menk, said the Home Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia will not be following Singapore’s move and bar them from preaching in Malaysia.
“So far, both leaders have not given advice that violates the understanding of the various cul- tures and religions until it causes social, racial and religious tensions in Malaysia.
“Malaysia is satisfied so far with what they do and does not intend to take the same action as they have not done wrong in our eyes,” he was quoted as saying in an English news portal.
Dr Ahmad Zahid was asked to comment on Singapore’s announcement to bar the two preachers from entering and working in the island republic.
The men were slated to preach on a religious-themed cruise from Nov 25 to 29 that was set to sail from Singapore.
In a statement on Monday, the Singaporean Ministry of Home Affairs also said Ismail had been known to preach divisive teachings, noting for example that he had said it was the “biggest sin and crime” for a Muslim to exchange Christmas or Deepavali greetings with non-Muslims.
The statement added that Haslin, who is popularly known as Ustaz Bollywood, had expressed views that promoted disharmony between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Meanwhile, Haslin said he wished for a chance to meet with Singapore’s Islamic Religious Council (Muis) in order to understand and get an explanation on which of his sermons had been deemed a threat to harmony and non-Muslims.
Haslin said he only learnt of the ban after reading a news report online on Monday evening.
“I’m barred from entering Singapore without receiving a full explanation about the issue with my sermons.
“I’ve been searching for which of my sermons were disruptive to Singapore’s harmony,” he said when contacted.
Haslin added that being barred from entering the city-state meant that he was cut off from relatives and friends there, whom he intended to visit.