MCA: Terengganu proposal to shame Muslims who don't attend Friday prayers is excessive

PETALING JAYA: Punishing Muslims who do not attend Friday prayers by transporting them in a hearse to shame them will appear to be excessive to non-Muslims, said MCA Syariah Law & Policy Implementation Special Task Force chairman Gan Ping Sieu.

"It may even paint a picture of the implementation of Taliban-style religious laws in our country, and it would also be seen as similar to the public shaming of the Dark Ages in Europe," said Gan.

Gan, who issued a statement on Thursday in response to plans announced by the Terengganu state government, said that while the state religious council has the authority to impose such punishments, the implementation of such punishments would contravene the fundamental rights and liberties provided for by the Federal Constitution.

"Does it apply to all Muslims, including those from outside Terengganu or travellers and business people who cross the border of the state, be they locals or foreigners? What can be foreseen is that the business community and market will practically come to a stand still on every Friday prayer time," said Gan.

He called for moderate Muslim scholars and theologians to express their views over the perceived radicalisation of Islam in Malaysia's multiracial society.

"Religious teachings work best when the believers are persuaded rather than conditioned into by sheer force of man made laws or administrative compulsion," Gan said.