Muhyiddn wants state religious councils to discuss apostasy

(Bernama) — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin feels that the question of apostasy should be discussed together by the various state Islamic religious councils because the question of religion is within the jurisdiction of the state governments.

The Deputy Prime Minister said this issue was an important one which concerned the religion and the Menteri Besar had more power in this context compared to him.

“Nevertheless, the punishment must be decided together to avoid problems from arising. To my knowledge, in some states, there are already enactments to prevent non-Muslims from spreading their religion (to Muslims),” he told reporters at a gathering with the Deputy Prime Minister in Kampung Paya today.

He said the enforcement of the enactment preventing non-Muslims from spreading their religion to Muslims was also under the jurisdiction of the state government.

The Apostasy Act was proposed by Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harunussaini Zakaria recently to punish individuals who were guilty of converting Muslims.