The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) recently released a press release stressing that it views seriously a foreign media report that claims the department was involved in alleged coercion of non-Muslim students to convert to Islam at a Malaysian university.
In the statement, JAKIM branded the report titled “Malaysian Government, JAKIM allegedly coercing students to convert to Islam” as baseless and elaborated that the university in question had already clarified the matter.
UiTM previously denied online claims that non-Muslim students were forced to attend Islamic religious programmes
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JAKIM was referencing the recent statement by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) debunking online claims that non-Muslim students were forced to attend Islamic religious programmes on campus.
For context, UiTM asserted that the programme was actually part of the Kesatria Negara dan Kesatria Kembara co-curriculum subject, which aims to develop students who are balanced in character, intellect, and spirituality.
UiTM added that a total of 2,447 first-semester students joined the programme, including 34 non-Muslims, from the Kesatria Negara 1, Kembara 1, and Pancaragam 1 courses.
Furthermore, the programme includes elements such as discipline, patriotism, first aid, recreation, and spiritual values for Muslim students, while non-Muslim students get social ethics talks that suit their needs.
JAKIM urges everyone to respect Malaysia’s religious and cultural sensitivities
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Accordingly, JAKIM iterated that any news report must be based on facts and clear evidence to avoid misunderstandings and tension in the community.
The department thus advised all parties to be more careful and responsible in reporting the news to preserve the religious harmony enjoyed by Malaysians all this while.
Moreover, JAKIM urged all quarters to uphold the Federal Constitution, which is the foundation and guiding principle on which our country is built.
It also called upon media practitioners, especially foreign media, to always respect Malaysia’s cultural and religious sensitivities, as well as respect the Federal Constitution when reporting on issues involving the local community.
So, what do you guys think of JAKIM’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
