KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — A deputy minister’s remark about the dangers of atheism was illogical as it was only a philosophical view about the absence of deities, said in an international group.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) said atheists were people who believe that God or gods do not exist, and did not possess any other agenda in other directions.

The group then pointed out that there were already laws against proselytizing to Muslims and Muslim apostasy.

"We further note that the national principles or state ideology of Rukunegara is not a law and does not — and cannot — bind any individual to belief in God. While the intention behind the Rukunegara is to engender national unity, unity must not be bought at the price of individual conscience.

"To make ‘belief in God’ a necessary principle only serves to marginalize those who through their own good conscience cannot accept the metaphysical claims of monotheism,” the IHEU said in a statement.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki asserted in Parliament today that atheism was dangerous, unconstitutional and criminal, after claiming that freedom of religion did not also mean "freedom from any religion”.

The senator also said atheism could be punished under Shariah law for Muslims or under the Sedition Act for non-Muslims, alleging that faithlessness contradicted laws relating to public order and peace.