Probe Dr Maza under Penal Code sections 298A and 505(b), says DAP lawmaker

K PRAGALATH

Klang MP Ganabathirau Veraman has called upon the authorities to probe Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, better known by his acronym Dr Maza, under the Penal Code for spreading hate speech and making statements that are conducing to public mischief.

“I urge the relevant Malaysian authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and JAKIM, to take immediate action under the laws that govern hate speech, including Sections 298A and 505(b) of the Penal Code. This is not about silencing opinion. It is about upholding responsibility, truth, and peace,” said Ganabatirau in a statement made on his Facebook page.

Section 298A criminalises the act of causing disunity, enmity and hatred on the grounds of religion. Section 505(b) is related to making statements that lead to public mischief.

He also took the National Unity Ministry to task for being missing in action.

“Its silence in the face of such a dangerous public narrative is deeply troubling. The Ministry’s duty is not ceremonial and it must be swift, visible, and proactive in defending interfaith harmony and condemning extremist speech, no matter who it comes from.

“If I were the Minister of National Unity, I would have immediately issued a public statement condemning the remarks, initiated an inter-agency meeting with JAKIM, the Home Ministry, and the police, and reached out to affected communities to reassure them that such rhetoric has no place in Malaysia.

“Unity cannot be a slogan — it must be an active, courageous commitment in moments of national tension.

“I also respectfully call on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, under his Madani government, to take moral and national leadership in addressing this issue. The Malaysia we believe in cannot tolerate bigotry in religious robes.

“The Prime Minister must ensure that every voice promoting hate is met with the full force of moderation, truth, and justice.

What did Maza do?

In a widely circulated video, Maza made allegations against India that conducted Operation Sindoor against Pakistan for the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on 26 April.

Maza called upon Muslims to support Pakistan on the basis of faith.

He also made unsubstantiated claims such as the following:

  • “India kills and rapes Muslim women in Kashmir and in other countries”
  • “The Modi government is oppressive against Islam”
  • “Kashmir belongs to Islam, and India is ruling it through military oppression”

For the record there are 200 million Muslims in India.

Ganabathirau also pointed out that Maza’s actions betrays Malaysia’s commitment to neutrality and non-interference in the field of international affairs.

“Maza’s claim that “Kashmir belongs to Islam” grossly oversimplifies a historical issue and promotes a religious ownership narrative that can fuel extremism.

“No state or territory “belongs” to a religion. Sovereignty belongs to its people, and such matters are to be resolved through diplomacy and law not religious decree.

“To use foreign conflicts as a tool to incite emotion or rally support under the banner of religion is an abuse of religious authority and a betrayal of Malaysia’s commitment to neutrality and non-interference in international affairs.”