QURAN DESECRATION CASE: LEAVE PROBE TO POLICE, DON'T TAKE MATTERS INTO OWN HANDS - YADIM

PUTRAJAYA, March 1 (Bernama) -- Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) has called on the public to place full trust in the police in investigating the case of an individual stepping on the Quran, which recently went viral on social media.

YADIM president Datuk Dr Hasan Bahrom said the foundation appreciated the swift action taken by the government and the authorities in addressing the incident in accordance with established rules and procedures, thus demonstrating their commitment to upholding the sanctity of Islam.

In this regard, he urged the public to continue respecting the legal process and not to take matters into their own hands, which could worsen the situation or disrupt the police investigation.

“We should not act recklessly based on our impulses and desires. What is the point of having laws if we do not follow legal rules and procedures? 

“Therefore, I would like to thank the government for the actions taken by the authorities in a swift, prompt and thorough manner,” he said when appearing as a guest on the ‘Reaksi’ segment titled ‘Insiden Pijak al-Quran’ (Incident of Stepping on the Quran), broadcast on Bernama Radio today.

Hasan acknowledged that stepping on the Quran was an extreme act and that the maximum possible action should be taken against the perpetrator so that it serves as a lesson to the public.

“The act is extreme and can even be described as an insult to other religions, whereas we should respect one another’s faiths.

“So I think it reflects a certain irrationality or emotional disturbance on the part of the individual concerned. Therefore, every citizen must understand and appreciate the sensitivities of others,” he said.

He also advised the public not to post comments or views that could aggravate the situation, especially on social media platforms, but instead to continue preserving harmony in the country’s multiracial society.

“I hope citizens will remain calm and patient when facing this sensitive situation, as the case has been handled properly by the government.

“There is no need for us to issue threats or act beyond the bounds of the law. We should respect one another and foster values and a lifestyle that promote peace and harmony among races, even though we have many differences,” he said.

On Feb 25, a student of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah was arrested for allegedly insulting Islam on social media by uploading a photo of someone stepping on the Quran. As of yesterday, 28 police reports had been lodged nationwide in connection with the case.

Kuantan district police chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah said the remand of the 21-year-old man, which ended yesterday, has been extended until March 3 after instructions were received from the deputy public prosecutor for several further actions to be taken to complete the investigation.

-- BERNAMA