International pro-Shiite NGO Shia Rights Watch has urged the Malaysian government to reconsider plans to impose a stricter ban on Shiite practices and publications, as this would be tantamount to "ethnic cleansing".

"All minorities need education and publication for their population and banning any religious practices and educational resources is a clear violation to human rights.

"Such bans and limitations threaten the existence of minorities and are considered ethnic cleansing," it said in a statement.

NONE As such, it said that it has written to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, as well as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir ( left ) who have both made anti-Shiite statements recently.

It added that instead of persecuting the Shiites, the government must protect their right to practice their faith as they deem fit, in accordance with the International Human Rights Bill.

"This organisation hopes the Malaysian government (will) make the right decision and recognise Shiite (adherents) as rightful citizens."

Last week, Senator Noriah Mahat in the Dewan Negara urged the government to ban all publications written by Shiite writers.

She said that this include works of fiction, which could further spread the school of thought deemed deviant by the Malaysian Islamic authorities.

Pertubuhan Syiah Malaysia is a banned entity under Section 5 of the Societies Act 1966.

This follows a media campaign against Shiite teachings in Malaysia, with several reports in Malay language dailies claiming that the teachings are being spread in public universities.

The government said that while there are Shiite international students, they are not allowed to preach their beliefs to the mostly Sunni population in the country.

Newspapers also reported that some PAS leaders are Shiite, but this was refuted by the party, who said that any member found to be a Shiite would have their membership automatically cancelled.

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