KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has expressed concern over recent remarks by Terengganu Mufti Datuk Dr. Mohamad Sabri Haron, who stated that Muslims are permitted to enter non-Muslim places of worship to spread Islam. According to a report in FOCUS Malaysia dated August 4, 2024, Dr Haron indicated that Muslims could visit these places with the intent to preach and introduce Islamic teachings.
In its statement dated August 10, MCCBCHST emphasised that places of worship for non-Muslims, like mosques for Muslims, serve as sacred spaces for followers to practice their faith. Article 11 of the Federal Constitution grants individuals the right to profess and practice their religion. However, Clause 4 of this article allows for restrictions on the propagation of religious doctrines among Muslims, which does not extend to the unrestricted preaching of Islam in non-Muslim places of worship.
The Council warned that the Mufti’s suggestion could undermine the sanctity of non-Muslim places of worship and potentially create tension between different religious communities. Such actions could also lead to legal repercussions under several Malaysian Penal Code sections, including:
Section 298: Wounding religious feelings.
Section 298A: Causing disharmony or ill-will on religious grounds. Section 505(c): Statements likely to incite offenses.
MCCBCHST urged the Terengganu Mufti to respect the rights of all religious groups and adhere to a proper understanding of the Federal Constitution and Malaysian laws. They stressed that while fostering unity and interfaith dialogue is encouraged, any attempt to propagate one’s faith within another religion’s place of worship without consent is inappropriate and can disrupt communal harmony. The Council called for mutual respect among religions and adherence to protocols that maintain the sanctity of all places of worship.
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