© Malaysiakini (Used by permission)
by Muda Mohd Noor
The Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) today denounced a leaflet which is making its rounds calling for the death of prominent lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar over his involvement in the Lina Joy apostasy case.
Abim president Yusri Mohamad (photo) warned that those responsible for the leaflet are violating both Islamic and federal laws.
“We want the authorities to launch an immediate investigation to identify the parties responsible for the leaflet,” he said at a press conference after officiating Abim’s annual conference in Cheras today.
Yusri told reporters that his Islamic youth movement does not condone the use of violence against anyone even if it disagrees with Malik’s opinions.
“This is based on the principle that differing views on Islam must be resolved through Islamic morals and ethics and not by force,” he stressed.
He added that “the use of force, mockery, rude words and death threats” has no place in a civilised society.
'Wanted dead'
Contacted for an immediate reaction, Malik said he would seek further advice on the matter from the police on Monday.
“I have seen the leaflet myself when a friend showed it to me. It said 'Wanted Dead' with my picture on it,” he told malaysiakini.
Malik (photo) has beared the brunt of many Muslim groups for his involvement in the Article 11 coalition which holds public forums on freedom of religion, a move which was often accused of touching Muslim sensitivities.
He also held watching brief on behalf of the Bar Council in Lina Joy’s on–going appeal against the decision by the National Registration Department in not removing the word 'Islam' from her identity card.
Joy, who was a Muslim, has converted to Christianity 16 years ago.
The Federal Court – the country’s highest court – is due to announce its decision on the controversial case soon.
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