KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Eric Paulsen should act responsibly and apologise for alleging that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is a body that promotes extremism through Friday sermons, Utusan Malaysia reported yesterday.

Describing Paulsen’s remark as “over the top” and illogical, Awang Selamat, the pseudonym for Utusan’s collective editorial voice, pointed out that Jakim was not a militant organisation such as the Boko Haram in Nigeria.

“This is the first time in history someone had made such a claim against Jakim.

“It is confusing that Paulsen, a human rights lawyer, could come up with such a statement. Paulsen’s statement is already bordering on the extreme and resulting from his extremist way of thinking,” Awang Selamat wrote.

“The real issue which needs to be resolved is Paulsen. If he was in Singapore, action would have been taken against him immediately.”

Awang Selamat said Paulsen’s comment was yet another insult on Islam in Malaysia and completely unacceptable.

“To avoid any misunderstanding, he should be investigated immediately. Furthermore, he should come forward and issue a public apology.”

“Action must be taken against Paulsen, who should accept responsibility for his statement.”

Awang Selamat said Paulsen should understand the religious sensitivities in Malaysia and learn from various incidents including the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris.

“Provocation has its limits, especially insulting of religion. Reaction can be provoked, including violence.”

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has reportedly said that Paulsen would be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948.

Paulsen had made his allegation in a Twitter posting which stated that Jakim was promoting extremism through the Friday sermons.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, in a statement on Saturday said Friday sermons had never encouraged extremism or violence as alleged.

On the contrary, he said, the sermon was a requirement in the Friday prayers which was delivered orally and carried educational elements to give advice on religion, to give inspiration, and create consciousness.

“It also conveys the national policies and current issues among the Muslims. Can the reminders among the Muslims be construed as extreme?” he said, adding that the allegation linking Jakim with extremism was an irresponsible act which should be viewed seriously.— The Malaysian Insider

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on January 12, 2015.