Home minister urges Perlis mufti substantiate claims of deviant teachings
PETALING JAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who is also known as Dr Maza, to formally present any evidence he has regarding an alleged South Korea-linked cult that is said to be spreading deviant teachings in Malaysia.
Speaking at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday, Saifuddin said individuals who make such claims carry the responsibility of sharing complete details with law enforcement agencies.
“I would like to invite Dr Maza to come forward and provide complete information to the authorities. It is better that we manage it according to legal channels.”
Saifuddin said police have an established mechanism to address allegations of deviant movements, including those involving religious groups of any background.
“Deviant teachings cover various religions and their followers, and this is indeed the core duty within the Special Branch. There is a special team specifically for that,” he added.
On whether police had received any complaint or report regarding the alleged movement, he said: “Dr Maza was the person who came forward to say there is such a movement.
“If (he) says he has information on the name of the group, the group’s activities, their modus operandi and the individuals said to be involved, I would strongly suggest that he come forward and share that information with the authorities, and we will immediately begin an investigation.”
Saifuddin was responding to statements by Mohd Asri on Dec 8, alleging the presence of a movement allegedly originating from South Korea that purportedly promotes deviant Christian-related teachings under the guise of peace initiatives.
He described the alleged group as unrecognised by mainstream Christian organisations and claimed its activities had attracted participation from prominent Malaysians, including Muslim MPs.
The allegations have drawn public attention but according to the Home Ministry, there has not yet been any formal complaint filed on the claims.
