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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Religious minister: Jais to call two new witnesses in eHati probe tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) will summon two new witnesses tomorrow to record their statements as part of the investigation into the eHati marriage programme, which is alleged to involve immoral activities and the dissemination of questionable beliefs. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said that the case is being investigated under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995. 'So far, I can confirm that the investigation has begun, and we hope that the witnesses will be present tomorrow,' he said after officiating the pre-launch ceremony of the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA), at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), today. Mohd Na'im said that two women, who were the initial witnesses, had previously lodged a complaint with the Jais Research Division. 'However, I was informed by the Enforcement Division that both complainants appeared somewhat hesitant to come forward and provide further information to Jais. I hope this issue can be clarified, so that everyone understands the situation and the truth can be revealed,' he said. 'It is crucial for witnesses to come forward and assist the Jais Enforcement Division in carrying out a professional investigation, to ensure that no party is unfairly treated,' he said. He added that the Jais Enforcement Division is also working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which will investigate the case from the standpoint of potential civil law offences. In this regard, he urged all parties with relevant information to step forward and fully cooperate with the authorities. 'I sincerely urge all parties involved, or with relevant information, to come forward and assist the Jais Enforcement Division by providing truthful details, so that the matter can be resolved fairly and transparently,' he said. The public was recently taken aback by revelations on social media alleging that the eHati motivational programme, reportedly organised by a married couple, involved immoral activities and the propagation of dubious beliefs. In a recent post on the user's Facebook page, it was claimed that two women had performed a nude dance during a session, held at a convention centre in Shah Alam. It was further alleged that participants were given a liquid of unknown contents that induced emotional changes in a short time and were instructed to undergo 'holy cleansing baths' and 'rebirth' rituals resembling practices from other religions. — Bernama
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Mohd Naim calls for tighter regulation of independent Islamic preachers amid sex video scandal
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar today reminded Islamic preachers and missionaries, especially those operating independently, to always adhere to the ethics and guidelines set by the respective state religious authorities. He said that the process of screening the background, character and qualifications of independent preachers and missionaries who operate without the recognition or supervision from an authoritative institution also needs to be strengthened to ensure the teachings delivered bring benefit, not slander. 'I would like to remind every preacher, missionary and individual who carries the image of Islam, especially independent religious figures, to always uphold good morals, integrity, and self-respect in accordance with Islamic teachings. 'Holding the position of a preacher is not a licence to exploit religion for personal gain or to engage in immoral or unlawful behaviour,' he said in a Facebook post today. Mohd Naim said the MADANI Government is also committed to strengthening a more structured, professional, and integrity-driven preaching ecosystem. In this regard, he said, his office, together with Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM), organised programmes such as Felo Muda Dakwah (FMD) and Akademi Daie Muda YADIM (ADMY), which focused on efforts to produce young preachers in the country. 'To date, 364 individuals have undergone intensive training under both programmes since they were introduced in 2014. This is part of the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs)'s ongoing effort to produce preachers who embody the values of a MADANI ummah,' he said. Commenting on a recent case involving an independent speaker suspected of disseminating sex videos, Mohd Naim said the incident had serious negative implications, not only damaging the dignity of the individual involved but also tarnishing the image of the dakwah institution and undermining public trust in religious leadership. He also urged the public to give the authorities space to conduct a thorough, fair, and transparent investigation and not to be hasty in making sweeping generalisations or judgments. 'At the same time, we must firmly reject the culture of public shaming one another, especially when it is driven by motives of influence-seeking or personal intention,' he said It was previously reported that the police had arrested a freelance preacher suspected of distributing several explicit videos and images allegedly aimed at shaming his wife and other women. — Bernama
