Jakim looking out for posts insulting Islam

(NST) – The Islamic Development Department is working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Home Ministry and Radio Televisyen Malaysia to monitor social media, including blogs and Facebook, for postings that insult Islam.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department  Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the team effort was to identify irresponsible parties out to disparage Islam and also disrupt the country’s peace and harmony.

He pointed out that the insults hurled against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and more recently, Prophet Muhammad, as acts that could not be tolerated.

“I see this as some sort of a plan by irresponsible parties and it is the duty of the government, including religious officers, to counter them.

“These parties are unhappy with the present situation where Muslims and non-Muslims live in harmony, so, they try to create tension so that things turn for the worse in this country,” he said  after opening a meeting of   district religious administrative officers from across the country  here, yesterday.

Jamil Khir was commenting on the several police reports filed by non-governmental organisations that called on the authorities to investigate several blogs, which they claimed had insulted and defamed Prophet Muhammad.   

The minister said district religious officers should also play a more proactive role and act against those involved.