Several top religious leaders have voiced support for Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria’s call to introduce of an Apostasy Act that will punish people who attempt to proselytise Muslims.

In an Utusan Malaysia report today, Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said the law was necessary to protect the faith of Muslims but warned that several legal amendments will be needed.

“Many issues have to be scrutinised including amending acts and provisions that are an obstacle, such as the issue of non-Muslim not being able to be tried in a syariah court,” he was quoted as saying.

NONE Echoing this in the report, Selangor mufti Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid (left) said such an act that punishes those proselytising to Muslims would serve as a reminder to them.

“Undermining the faith of Muslims until the individual leaves Islam is an unforgiveable act and should be punished,” he told the Umno-owned Malay daily.

Former Pahang mufti Sulaiman Ahmad was also quoted as saying that the law would frighten people against proselytising to Muslims and serve as a lesson to apostates to return to the “right path”.

The calls come after the Selangor Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jais) concluded its report on a raid it carried out against a dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC).

Based on the report, the Selangor sultan declared that there were indications of attempted proselytising but added that there would be no prosecution as there was insufficient evidence.

According to the country’s constitution, state and federal authorities are empowered to restrict the propagation of other religions to Muslims.