Bill to outlaw deviant teachings of Islam passed

The State Legislative Assembly has approved the Syariah Criminal Offences (Amendment) Enactment 2019 Bill.

Speaker Datuk Syed Abbas Syed Ali approved the Bill a er it was tabled by Minister of Law and Native Affairs Datuk Aidi Mokthar at the State Legislative Assembly si ing yesterday.

The purpose of the amendment was to curb the spread of false and extreme teachings of Islam in the state.

Aidi said that Muslims had been fighting among themselves as of late – there had been misunderstandings as to the basic principles and roots of Islam and that such issues are now threatening the unity of Muslims.

“In this regard, it is imperative that Muslims unite under the same stream of Aqidah understanding, Fiqh and Shariah and Tasawwuf practices.

“Islam is a religion that unites its people and stays away from disputes or divisions. Any kind of mentality, actions and practices that may disrupt the unity of the people must be avoided. The same goes for any false and extreme teachings that might permeate Islam,” Aidi told the August House.

“The Bill seeks to amend the Syariah Criminal Offenses Enactment Act 1995 by providing the definition of ‘Islamic religion and the definition of Sunnah Waljama ah’ under Section 2 and to further strengthen Section 52 by making whipping as one of the penalties for any Islamic-related false teachings or acts that may contradict with any of the current Islamic laws in Sabah,” he added.

It is understood that a new provision – Section 52A – would also be added in.

It would make the propagation of deviant teachings punishable by up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of RM3,000.

The Bill was debated in length yesterday by several assemblymen, including four non-Muslim assemblymen, namely Datuk Masiung Banah (Kuamut), Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura), Datuk Abidin Madingkir and nominated assemblyman Lore o S Padua.

Their actions received praise from the August House as it marked the first time a nonMuslim had ever taken part in the debate of a Bill relating to Islamic affairs.

Lore o opined that the definition of ‘false doctrine’ should be given a clearer definition, as the current one is somewhat vague. He said that the definition must clearly indicate what constitutes ‘false doctrine’.

He questioned whether ‘false doctrine’ may relate to other religions.

Moments later, Karanaan assemblyman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun then said that such issue would not arise as the Bill clearly indicates that the law would only be applicable to Muslims.

Aidi, in his response, reassured that the doctrine would not involve non-Muslims.

The amendment will come into force on September 9.

Aidi said that the amendment would have no implications on the State Government’s finances.

Other assemblymen who took part in the debate, namely Datuk Arifin Arif (Membakut), Datuk Hamisa Samat (Tanjung Batu) and Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (Klias), had also supported the Bill.