Freedom Of Expression Must Not Be Used To Insult Religion - ABIM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (ABIM) has reminded the public that freedom of expression in Malaysia does not equate to freedom to insult religion.

Its president, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, said that in a plural society, freedom must always be exercised with responsibility.

“ABIM strongly condemns the act of uploading a picture of an individual stepping on the Quran, which has sparked anger and outrage among Muslims. It is even more regrettable that the incident occurred during Ramadan, the sacred month in which the Quran was revealed,” he said in a recent statement.

He described the act as uncivilised, exceeding the boundaries of freedom of expression and potentially threatening harmony in the country’s multiracial and multireligious society.

Ahmad Fahmi stressed that any insult against a religion must be thoroughly investigated, with action taken through fair and transparent legal procedures.

At the same time, he urged all parties to respond with maturity and refrain from politicising the incident or inflaming racial sentiments.

He also reminded Muslims not to take matters into their own hands outside the legal framework.

“Ramadan teaches self-discipline and emotional restraint. Defending the dignity of religion must be done through lawful, civilised and prudent channels,” he said.

Ahmad Fahmi further called on the government and society to strengthen religious literacy and civic education, emphasising that understanding the sensitivity of religious symbols is fundamental to nurturing mutual respect in a plural nation.

Last Feb 25, a student from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) was detained to assist investigations over allegations of insulting Islam on social media.

As of yesterday, 28 police reports had been lodged nationwide in connection with the case.

-- BERNAMA