In past couple of days, Malaysian authorities have attacked Shia Muslim homes and ritual practices, arresting many Shia and referring most of them to Sharia Law court with false accusations. Over half of the Malaysian population are reported to be of Sunni Muslim origin. In recent years, a strict ban on Shia Islam has been put in place and enforced by state and non-state actors. Anti-Shiism continues to grow via education sponsored by non-Shia agonists.
20th October 2016.
35 people were arrested in Johor Bharu, southern state of Johor during kumayl prayer on 20th October 2016. Five people spent their night in police lock-up. Those arrested are expected to be charged at Sharia Court 21st October 2016. Update coming.
17th October 2016.
70-100 people from local NGOs such as Pertubuhan Kebajikan Silaturahim Malaysia (Si’rah Malaysia), the Mosque Organization of Masjid Al Husna Bandar Sunway (led by Mohd Hazizul Mohd Ghouts) and the Mosque Organization of Surau Munawarah (led by Mohd Fairuz Ahmad Jahari) demonstrated and intimidate small community centre for foreign students in Sunway, state of Selangor. They demand the closure of the community center and bring along banner reads: “Eradicate Shias from Malaysia” during the demonstration. They even report the center to State Religious Authorities and Police.
14th October 2016
A standardize Friday sermon throughout state of Selangor spread hate speech against Shia adherents calling them deviants and reminding listeners to obey the 17th October 2013 religious fatwa banning Shia in Selangor.
13th October 2016.
Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission through his chairperson, Razali Ismail criticized intimidation and arrest against Shias in Malaysia. He emphasized on freedom of religion: “This right shall include the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice and freedom, either individually or in community with others in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.”
12th October 2016.
30 Pakistani Shias living in Malaysia were arrested at a rented premise (a factory) in Sungai Kertas, Selayang, outskirt of Kuala Lumpur on 11 October 2016 (9 Muharram) around 11pm. At 12.30 am they were brought to Islamic Department Gombak branch office at Kuang, Selangor state. They were interrogated whole night, and 22 of them were brought to Sharia Court at 3pm on 12th October (10 Muharram). 11 people came to bail them and they will be charge at Sharia court on 17th November 2016 at 9 am. However please note, they maintained they are Sunnis.
10th October 2016.
At 10.55 am two men aged 54 and 32 years old (father and son) were arrested at their home in Jalan Jasmin, Felda Kemendor, state of Melaka for preparing to organize Ashura gathering. They were interrogated under Section 63 Enactment Sharia Criminal State of Melaka 1991. If found guilty they will be fined up to RM5000, or three years jail or both. Melaka banned Shi’ism on 24th September 2015.
