CLAIMS OF INACTION OVER INSULT TO ISLAM JUST PERCEPTION - PAHANG YOUTH LEADER

KUANTAN, March 1 (Bernama) -- Claims that the government has not acted over an incident allegedly insulting Islam are merely public perception, as appropriate action has been and is being taken by the authorities, said Pahang Youth Council president Saharuddin Ahmad.

He said cases involving religious sensitivities must follow specific procedures and guidelines. As such, investigations cannot be rushed to ensure they are conducted in a transparent, fair and thorough manner.

Saharuddin said the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, had decreed that any act insulting Islam and challenging its sanctity must not be taken lightly and should face appropriate action under the law.

“The Sultan of Pahang has already issued a decree on the matter. It is impossible for the authorities not to act. I see this as largely a perception shaped on social media,” he told Bernama when contacted.

He also reminded the public to exercise restraint when expressing opinions to preserve harmony and unity.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Student Representative Council (MPP) president Adam Al-Wafiy Muhammad Zailani said the authorities acted swiftly when the suspect was detained, indicating that investigations had begun.  

He said the move showed enforcement was carried out in accordance with the law and urged the public to give the police space to complete their probe.

The MPP has lodged a police report and remains in contact with the police for updates. We are not keeping silent but are taking the proper channel,” he said.

Adam Al-Wafiy hoped students and the younger generation would learn from the incident and not treat issues involving religion, race and the royal institution (3R) as a joke.

On Feb 25, a UMPSA student was detained to assist investigations for allegedly insulting Islam on social media by stepping on the Quran. As of yesterday, 28 police reports had been lodged nationwide over the case.

Kuantan police chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah said the 21-year-old suspect’s remand, which ended yesterday, has been extended until March 3 following instructions from the deputy public prosecutor for further action to complete investigations.

-- BERNAMA