Group urges Saifuddin to ban 3R agitators from entering M'sia

Global Human Rights Federation president S Shashi Kumar had urged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to deny entry into Malaysia individuals like Moroccan influencer Abdellatif Ouisa, who uploaded provocative verses in front of the Hindu temple at Batu Caves.

“As a tourist and a visitor to Malaysia, he has shown no respect to our laws and people as we are living in a multiracial society. 

“What were his intentions in reciting the Quranic verses at the non-Muslim place of worship? It was a clear intention to insult and mock non-Islamic religion,” said Shashi in a statement today.

Abdellatif Ouisa has since apologised for the incident and posted a video on his TikTok page (@abdeentube) explaining that he thought Batu Caves was a historic site where anyone could create content and that he was unaware of its religious significance.

“I thought it’s a historic point for everyone and everyone, like every tourist can recite, can make content there, so I did this.

“And I didn’t think it would hurt people, especially for the Hindu people, and I apologise if I hurt anyone,” he said.

‘What if a non-Muslim did it?’

Shashi said the excuse was very lame and unacceptable.

He then asked if a non-Muslim had committed a similar offence at a mosque, would the individual be let off with just an apology.

“Abdellatiff is an influencer who is famous for sharing religious content and boasts a substantial following across various social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

“If the Madani government is serious about combating 3R issues and does not condone such acts of insults against race and religion, then the home minister should act on banning Abdellatif as a lesson to those with ill intentions,” Shashi added.

He pointed to neighbouring country Singapore, whereby Zimbabwean preacher Ismail Menk, American Muslim preacher Yusuf Estes and Malaysian Haslin Baharim were banned from entering Singapore over their hardline and divisive teachings. 

“Their Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said that it was ‘unacceptable’ and ‘contrary’ to the values of Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious society.

“Several police reports have been lodged against Abdellatif and more will come.

“There must not be any seeds of division caused by racist sentiments, extremists, mockery and insults,” said Shashi.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar condemned Abdellatif’s actions.

He deemed Abdellatif’s actions highly inappropriate and disrespectful, warning that such provocative actions could severely undermine the peaceful coexistence of different faiths in the country.

The minister stressed that Islam strictly prohibits insulting other religions as it will only provoke retaliation and enmity.

Concurring with Na’im’s views, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan called for the influencer to be barred from Malaysia.

Tourist apologises for reciting Quran verses at Batu Caves

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