Gerakan asks PM to stop Malaccas moral squad
Published: Feb 22, 2005 10:50 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
Gerakan Youth has urged the prime minister to intervene and stop the 'spying activities' of Malacca Umno 4B Youth on wayward Muslim youths.
Gerakan Youth has urged the prime minister to intervene and stop the 'spying activities' of Malacca Umno 4B Youth on wayward Muslim youths.
In a press statement yesterday, Gerakan Youth listed five reasons, which they said were not exhaustive, as to why this so-called 'moral squad' should be scrapped.
Topping the list was the danger of abuse.
"In its zeal to combat social ills, there is no guarantee that there would not be any element of victimisation and abuse of power ... who is going to watch the watchman?"
It was reported recently that the 'moral squad' will keep an eye on wayward Muslim youths and eventually young people of all religions.
"The movement have defied calls, by relevant ministries and agencies, not to go ahead with the plan," said Gerakan Youth.
Many ministers have also voiced their objection to the 'moral squad' when the issue was raised at a cabinet meeting several weeks ago.
However, this has not deterred the squad from swinging into action and has been said to have already tipped of religious enforcement officials on khalwat (close proximity) cases in the state.
What is morality?
The moral squad, or dubbed the 'peeping-tom' squad by certain quarters, was officially launched by Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam last Wednesday.
Over the weekend, Malacca Umno 4B Youth deputy president Hassan Rahman expressed pride in 'his boys' for having caught many couples.
"I am proud of my boys. They have been very enthusiastic in carrying out their moral duty," he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Gerakan Youth questioned what construed immorality.
"Would holding hands between two consenting adults be considered immoral to the moral squad?" it asked, while warning it that may lead to 'religious extremist' tendencies such as violence.
It also pointed out that there are existing ministries and agencies, including the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), to combat social ills.
Gerakan Youth also urged the Malacca CM to encourage the youth in his state to get involved in productive activities that would help in shaping their future instead of assigning them to "snoop on people's private life".
It also slammed the chief minister for "clearly defying" calls made by the government and the public.
Some 50 youths have been roped in to join the squad after having been put through a brief course on the movement's practices and issued membership cards.
In a press statement yesterday, Gerakan Youth listed five reasons, which they said were not exhaustive, as to why this so-called 'moral squad' should be scrapped.
Topping the list was the danger of abuse.
"In its zeal to combat social ills, there is no guarantee that there would not be any element of victimisation and abuse of power ... who is going to watch the watchman?"
It was reported recently that the 'moral squad' will keep an eye on wayward Muslim youths and eventually young people of all religions.
"The movement have defied calls, by relevant ministries and agencies, not to go ahead with the plan," said Gerakan Youth.
Many ministers have also voiced their objection to the 'moral squad' when the issue was raised at a cabinet meeting several weeks ago.
However, this has not deterred the squad from swinging into action and has been said to have already tipped of religious enforcement officials on khalwat (close proximity) cases in the state.
What is morality?
The moral squad, or dubbed the 'peeping-tom' squad by certain quarters, was officially launched by Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam last Wednesday.
Over the weekend, Malacca Umno 4B Youth deputy president Hassan Rahman expressed pride in 'his boys' for having caught many couples.
"I am proud of my boys. They have been very enthusiastic in carrying out their moral duty," he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Gerakan Youth questioned what construed immorality.
"Would holding hands between two consenting adults be considered immoral to the moral squad?" it asked, while warning it that may lead to 'religious extremist' tendencies such as violence.
It also pointed out that there are existing ministries and agencies, including the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), to combat social ills.
Gerakan Youth also urged the Malacca CM to encourage the youth in his state to get involved in productive activities that would help in shaping their future instead of assigning them to "snoop on people's private life".
It also slammed the chief minister for "clearly defying" calls made by the government and the public.
Some 50 youths have been roped in to join the squad after having been put through a brief course on the movement's practices and issued membership cards.
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