Sarawak churches hint 10-year jail term is too heavy

KUCHING: The sentencing of a 22-year-old Facebook user for insulting Islam should have taken into consideration his age, health and guilty plea, says the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS).

The association is “deeply concerned” by the 10-year jail term imposed on the Sarawakian, who reportedly suffers from mental illness and had pleaded guilty to charges of insulting Islam on social media.

“The object of the sentence should be to educate the young first-time offender,” it said in a statement yesterday.

ACS noted that while the federal government would set up a unit to monitor and take action against those who insult Islam on social media, there was no mention of monitoring or taking action against those who insult other religions.

“ACS appreciates and supports the efforts made by the federal and state governments to preserve peace, unity and harmony among the people of Malaysia.

“We do not approve or condone any act or remark that insults Islam or other religions,” it said.

In addition, ACS called on the federal and state governments to restore religious freedom in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.

“Religious freedom in Malaysia has eroded over the past 50 years to the extent that the country is regarded by some leaders as an Islamic state, and people are no longer able to freely profess and practise the religion of their choice.

“The guarantee of religious freedom is the most fundamental of all the rights and liberties under MA63 and must be restored to its former position,” it said.