M’sia will never allow prostitution, says Fahmi in response to Rosyam

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will never allow the opening of prostitution dens or brothels as the country’s laws clearly prohibit such establishments, says unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil.

He said that anything that needs to be implemented in the country must be done according to existing laws.

“We have to follow the law. Opening of brothels will never be allowed in Malaysia. No way,” said the Communications Minister to reporters after participating in the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s Cellular Service Quality Test (Voice Calls) yesterday, Bernama reported.

He was responding to the proposal by actor Datuk Rosyam Nor in the Hitam Putih Kehidupan podcast that prostitution dens should be made available for the “convenience” of male foreigners, particularly those who have left their wives behind in their home countries.

Fahmi also agreed with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar that the proposal contradicts both civil and syariah laws.

“I think the religious minister’s statement calls for sincere self-reflection by all of us. I agree with him, you cannot treat this kind of thing,” Fahmi said.

When asked whether the government would start regulating podcast content following such a proposal, he said: “We don’t have a plan yet, but you just gave me an idea.”

Earlier yesterday, Mohd Na’im said Rosyam’s proposal is clearly against the principles of Islamic teachings and Maqasid al-Shariah.

He said under the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 (Act 559), there are several provisions related to prostitution, including Subsection 21, which pertains to prostitution; Section 22, which addresses procurers (individuals acting as intermediaries between a woman and a man for any purpose contrary to syariah law); and Section 23, which deals with extramarital sex.

In addition, the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 prescribes penalties for anyone who organises, encourages or promotes others to commit any vice as stipulated under Section 35 of Act 559.

“The proposal must be opposed by every sector of society,” Mohd Na’im said in a statement.

Calling the proposal unacceptable, Mohd Na’im said it has sparked controversy in the community, considering that prostitution is illegal in Malaysia.

“The public is advised not to issue any statement that may cause polemics or issues that are against the teachings of Islam,” he added.