IPOH, Jan 13 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom described the comments made by Lawyers for Liberty executive director Eric Paulsen on his Twitter page on the Friday sermons, as an attempt to interfere in the affairs of another religion which was not right.
He said Paulsen should not be involved in the matter as the sermons were part of the Friday prayer sessions.
“Where are the proof and facts to show that the Friday sermons promote extremism as each week, the text of the sermon is published on the website of the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim), if he was referring to Jakim,” he said.
Jamil Khir was speaking to reporters after presenting flood aid of RM300,000 from the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council to the Perak government at the Mentri Besar’s Office, here, today.
He said the texts of the Friday sermons were prepared by the Islamic Religious Department of each state and were meant to remind the congregation to lead the Islamic way of life.
Commenting on the controversy involving the behaviour of several tudung-clad Muslim teenagers during a recent concert of the K-Pop group, B1A4, in Kuala Lumpur, Jamil Khir said the government left it to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) to investigate.
He said all parties should not be hasty in passing judgement on those concerned and should wait for action from Jawi.
“We have to understand that religious sensitivities are an important matter, especially in the context of implementing Islam in this country.
“Morality and decency, including culture are closely connected to religion, so society is very sensitive in these matters,” he said. — Bernama
