MALAYSIA Islamic preacher promotes video to secretly convert non-Muslim minors

Following several complaints, the police opened an investigation against controversial leader Firdaus Wong. In a video that went viral on social media, he talks to a teacher giving instructions on how to make children pray and hide their conversion from their parents. Malaysian activist: the teacher’s behavior is also contrary to the “relationship of trust” with families.

Kuala Lumpur () – Malaysian police have opened an investigation into the famous and controversial Islamic preacher Firdaus Wong, who is said to have promoted a clandestine tutorial for teachers and religious leaders aimed at the “surreptitious conversion” of non-Muslim minors. In a film that recently went viral on social media and on the Internet in the country, he proposed a kind of guide to encourage children and young people to embrace the Muslim faith, often without the knowledge of their own parents. The story only broke out in recent days, after the opening of the investigation; however, several complaints have already been filed with the police by NGOs and activist groups against the preacher, in many cases with the support of parents of non-Muslim families with children enrolled in public schools.

In a statement released to the media today, lawyers Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh said they were “delighted to inform the public that the police have finally opened a case of investigation against Firdaus Wong under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code.” According to the lawyer duo, who are representing complainant Arun Dorasamy, the video also contained advice on how children can pray secretly and hide their conversion from their parents.

Previously, the Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism had also expressed its dismay over the video, which it called “immoral, unconstitutional and illegal.” He also stated that Firdaus Wong’s comments go against the fundamental freedoms contained in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Finally, the management of the institution pointed out that, after the viral spread of the video on social networks, several complaints were filed with the police against the Islamic preacher, including one filed by the Council itself on behalf of Arun Dorasamy.

The video, about 4 minutes and 12 seconds long, shows a high school teacher, who is at the same time ustaz (religion teacher, the title is honorific) of the institution, engaged in an intense conversation with the preacher Firdaus Wong . At the center of the conversation are precisely the methods and orientations through which it is possible to convert secondary and high school students from the different modules.

Specifically, the preacher advises the ustaz to “convert” the minors by first asking them to recite the “kalimah syahdah” (article of faith). Next, he advises against taking videos or photographs of the students while they recite the formula, since they are under 18 years old and can be charged. “If there are requests from these minors, let the teachers make them ‘convert first’ by reciting the kalimah syahdah. And then they must be taught the religion of Islam,” says Firdaus Wong, “while they continue their schooling and officially convert them when they reach the age of consent at 18 years of age”.

Questioned by , Peter John Jaban, vice president of the Global Human Rights Foundation Malaysia (Ghrf), emphasizes that “the preacher’s advice or suggestion not only raises ethical problems about the conversion of minors without parental consent.” His suggestions, the activist continues, are also “contrary to the laws of Malaysia and also the Constitution of the Federation.” According to Jaban, the high school teacher’s pattern of behavior raises questions about her “duty of care” toward the students entrusted to her care and supervision.

Engaging in discussions about religious conversion without involving parents is considered a violation of the trust and responsibility required of you ‘as an educator’. Furthermore, the preacher’s suggestion to first convert minors and then teach them Islam,’ Jaban warned, ‘raises doubts about the authenticity and sincerity of the religious conversions themselves.’ Finally, he points out that by advocating “hidden conversions”, the Islamic leader appears to be promoting a superficial and false approach, which goes against the principles of the law and the Constitution. “In the past we have filed many complaints with the police against this preacher, but so far the police have not taken any action. The prevalence of illegal conversions in Malaysia,” he concludes, “is a serious problem that must be addressed to protect human rights.” of minors and maintain ethical standards in religious conversions themselves.