THE HIJAB IS A PERSONAL CHOICE OF MUSLIM WOMEN
MAJU condemns the action of the Selangor Religious Authorities (JAIS) in investigating and intimidating muslims for merely having discussions, either by way of speech or in writing, relating to their freedom to not don the hijab.
The action by JAIS to commence investigations and possibly to prosecute Maryam Lee, conceivably for her book “Unveiling Choice”, pursuant to Section 10 (a) of the Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995, which entails a fine and/or imprisonment of up to 3 years, in our view insults or brings into contempt the religion of Islam itself. It portrays Islam as being a religion of ‘force’ and not one of choice. Islam is not a religion of force, neither is it a religion that enforces. Islam is a religion of discernment, and permits differences of thinking – which is what makes it the great religion that it is. This action by JAIS demeans and insults the very essence of what Islam is.
Additionally, this action and similar actions by JAIS need to be stopped immediately as it is in direct contravention of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which provides that every person has the right to profess and to practice his or her religion. This freedom under the Constitution is an absolute right and must be upheld and cannot be contravened by any persons or authority in the land. We call upon the Malaysian Government or the State Government to intervene in this case immediately, and to ensure that the Federal Constitution of Malaysia is upheld, and the freedom of religion enshrined in it remains sacrosanct at all times for all Malaysian citizens.
Siti Kasim
25th October 2019
Founder and on behalf of
MALAYSIAN ACTION FOR JUSTICE AND UNITY
(MAJU)