The Malaysian Insight

THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar has warned those professing to be atheists against holding activities that may upset the majority Muslim population.

“I want to advise this atheist group, don’t try and invoke issues that could upset Malaysians, especially Muslims who oppose those who have no religion. Don’t cause discomfort and unease with their activities,” Khalid said at the police headquarters in Bukit Aman today.

“I am giving them a warning. Don’t think that they can move freely, as they wish. We will refer to the law,” he said.

Khalid also said authorities were studying legal options available to the them in dealing with atheists.

“Our constitution acknowledges Islam as the official religion of this country, but (the constitution) does not mention those that have no religion.

“Atheists are those who do not have any religion, so we will study the options that are available,” he said.

Authorities say they are investigating activities of a Canadian-based group of atheists called the Atheist Republic after pictures of Malays attending their meeting held in Malaysia were circulated last week.

The Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) has said it will take action against Muslims attending such events, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim has urged religious authorities to hunt down the attendees and “restore their faith”. – August 16, 2017.