KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 ― A man has threatened to break into G25 spokesman Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin’s house and sexually assault her over her pro-moderation group’s call to review Shariah laws including those on khalwat.
Sharul Nizam Ab Rahim, the Animal Action Group president who reportedly rescued a puppy several months ago, penned the threats on his Facebook page yesterday, describing plans to enter Noor Farida’s bedroom.
“Once I’m on the bed, anyone, please contact the religious investigating officers. If you pity me, then just call them tomorrow night lah. At least, I can try her tonight,” Sharul Nizam posted with a “feeling wonderful” Facebook emotion.
“She asked to abolish the khalwat Shariah Criminal Offences Enactment ― no respect at all for the religious laws in each state. Khalwat is one of the beliefs in Islam and has become a religious law in all states in Malaysia.
“She can make lots of Muslims angry. So, I can also make other people angry,” he added, labelling her Noor Farida “G-String”.
When a Facebook user named Ajep Mohd said jokes about rape or harassment were not funny, Sharul Nizam replied: “It’s my human right. So I will continue even if I’m called low. huhu”.
State religious laws criminalise extramarital sex and prohibit unmarried Muslim couples from being in “close proximity” (khalwat).
Human rights activists have criticised khalwat raids that are usually carried out in budget hotels and which sometimes result in death when Muslims try to flee the religious authorities.
Noor Farida told a press conference Sunday after a G25 forum titled “Islam in a Constitutional Democracy” that the group, which comprises Malay senior retired civil servants, was setting up a consultative committee to review unconstitutional state Shariah enactments and laws that violate personal privacy, such as khalwat laws, and to recommend repeal or amendment.
“We're totally against criminalising personal sins, turning personal sins into crimes against the state.
“In Islam, the Quran says you cannot intrude into a person's private sphere. We are the only country, Malaysia’s the only country which has khalwat laws. No other Muslim country has khalwat laws. We are saying, this is against Islam,” the former Sessions Court judge had said.
Noor Farida’s remarks have been criticised by conservative Malay-Muslim groups such as Perkasa and Isma as well as Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, who accused G25 of having “very weak” religious knowledge.
When contacted, Noor Farida told Malay Mail Online that she has not personally received any threats, but her friends have forwarded some “nasty posts” from others on Facebook.
“These people are trying to champion Islam, but what they are doing is not very Islamic, is it?” she said. “Would they dare to issue such threats if I was a man? They are just bullies”.
