Business radio station BFM was fined RM10,000 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for not seeking the consent of Islamic religious authorities before airing an interview with Islamic scholar Reza Aslan last year.

In an email to Malaysiakini today, BFM managing director Malek Ali said BFM received a letter on the fine on Dec 9, elucidating the reasons behind MCMC's decision to fine the station.

It is alleged that BFM breached one of the Content Application Service Provider (CASP) licence terms that states all religious programming on Islam "must be approved" by religious authorities prior to transmission.

In the Oct 21, 2013, interview, Reza, an American author, said the world was "laughing" at Malaysia after the Appellate Court's ruling that the word "Allah" was exclusive to Muslims.

Malek also said that BFM had not decided on its next course of action.

“The commission has deemed the interview to have breached Section 206 (3) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and hence an offence under Section 242 of the same Act,” he said.

Malek also stressed that all necessary procedures had been adhered to prior to the broadcast of the interview.

“Suffice to say that we have always strived to observe the rule of law by abiding with the Content Code,” he said.

He also said that the station would maintain its “editorial policy” for all future programmes.

Malek thanked Malaysians for showing their support, and also said the station would deal with MCMC “directly” to resolve the matter.

“We nevertheless have enjoyed a positive relationship with the commission over the past six years and continue to do so,” he said.