Respect Islam - minister says over controversial running event
Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has called for all to respect the sovereignty of the Islamic religion after concerns were raised over participants’ allegedly inappropriate clothing in a controversial international running event held in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi.
The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) acknowledged Johor Mentri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s declaration that the event was not organised by the state government or any of its agencies.
Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has called for all to respect the sovereignty of the Islamic religion after concerns were raised over participants’ allegedly inappropriate clothing in a controversial international running event held in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi.
The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) acknowledged Johor Mentri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s declaration that the event was not organised by the state government or any of its agencies.
“Any event that could potentially incite controversy and undermine the sovereignty of the Islamic religion should be avoided at all costs,” Na’im said in a statement today.
He further said that he fully supports the Johor government’s firm stance in requesting an investigation by the police for further action.
Na’im said that all stakeholders are encouraged to place their full trust in the authorities to handle this issue appropriately.
“Unity and harmony must be maintained for the prosperity of the nation,” he said.
His statement came after a viral clip showing tourists in provocative attire, to which Onn stressed that the state government has never authorised any parties to conduct events deemed insensitive to Islam.
“The incidents that occurred were beyond the control of the organisers,” added Onn, who also expressed hope that this issue would not escalate, jeopardising peace and the sanctity of Islam.
“We will not compromise on any organisation that may tarnish the image of Johor,” he said.
This morning, Johor police chief M Kumar said that three men, including two foreigners, had been arrested yesterday to assist in the investigation into an incident involving alleged indecent and obscene behaviour during the 2024 Pan Asia International Run event in Kota Tinggi.
He said the suspects, aged between 39 and 70, were apprehended at a hotel in the district at about 10pm last night.
Among the items seized were a red sari, a red skirt, three pieces of silver-coloured cardboard, and a silver imitation spear believed to have been used as costumes during the run.
The case is classified under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour and Section 294 of the Penal Code for public indecency.
"Snake oil" is apparently disapproved by Malaysiakini. After about 6 test-attempts to learn where I had crossed MKini's red line, I discovered that it was my use of serpentine produce. Hence "minyak ular". Then suddenly, it was allowed to survive!
Looking at the accompanying photo, which Malaysiakini finally deigned to include in this article, what I see is something along the lines of a “Fancy Dress” sporting event where some persons chose to wear possibly outlandish clothing. So what’s the big deal here? Anyone would see that the participants were simply having a lark, enjoying themselves in the run. Since when has Fancy Dress become offensive? But seeing the pious reaction from you, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, one would think that those taking part were doing so without clothes. It is sadly impossible to accommodate a mentality that sees something offensive in anything that does not fall within the narrow parameters of their fan-atic, obsessed minds. But your protest is not the defence of Islam. It is crude Damage Control. After the total failure regarding the unbelievable activities carried out inside MISBH, where you, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, and every single Islamic organisation including and especially Jakim allowed the abuse and ill-treatment of children to continue nationwide for years, you are desperately trying to paint yourself lily white. No, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, nobody is buying that snake oil. Incidentally, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the MISBH shameless scandal did not seem to draw similar outcry from all of you as you now display towards that Johor sports run. Yeah, sure, why should you, when the fathers themselves do not know the names of their own children. If you were so concerned with the sanctity of Islam and the well-being of Muslims, you would have resigned from your post of Minister for Religious Affairs. It is your abysmal failure that brought such poor image to your own religion. So do not try your pathetic attempt at distraction by targeting a harmless sports event. You have no choice, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, but to go down with the ship.