Jakim won't wait for decency guidelines

The New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur
Jakim won't wait for decency guidelines
19 Apr 2006 By Hamidah Atan

PUTRAJAYA: Muslim couples caught kissing or committing other indecent acts in public will be dealt with by the Islamic Affairs Department (Jakim) regardless of any advice from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Department director-general Datuk Mustapa Abdul Rahman yesterday said non-Muslims found committing indecent acts with Muslims would be handed over to the police while their Muslim partners would be dealt with under theSyariah.
There was no need for its enforcement officers to wait for the formulation of guidelines by the Housing and Local Government Ministry on what constituted indecent acts.
"As the authority directly in charge of taking care of the moral standard and behaviour of the masses, particularly Muslims, we will follow the law in taking action against such couples, including the non-Muslims. After all, this is our moral duty and responsibility," he said.
On Monday, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting told local authorities not to send enforcement officers to spy on courting couples.
The council by-laws should only be enforced if the cases were "extreme" and "very obvious" and if there were public complaints that someone was naked in the park or someone had stripped.
Ong had said his ministry would define "indecent act" and draft guidelines for councils after discussions with ministries such as the Tourism Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. It will then be endorsed by the National Council of Local Governments.
Mustapa said: "It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure everyone in this country lives in harmony and has high moral values.
"What will happen to society, the religions and the country if such values are ignored and our people, especially the Muslims, choose to live a lifestyle similar to that of Westerners? This will lead to disintegration and other social problems. Such acts are forbidden by Islam."
Mustapa warned that Muslim couples with no binding relationship "spotted" by enforcement officers at quiet, isolated places would be detained. "Do not expect my men to do nothing when they see unmarried couples or those without any relationship kissing and hugging in public. We will act according to the law."
Mustapa said it was the responsibility of the public to inform the department of any such acts.
National Fatwa Council committee member and Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria welcomed the formulation of the guidelines.
However, he said it was illogical and irresponsible of the authorities to act only when they found naked couples. "There should not be anything stopping the authorities from acting against such couples. Is it right for us to wait until we find one (couple) in such a manner?" he asked.