Written by: Averroes
Sajat apostated?
The sensational instafamous and luminary figure, better known as Nur Sajat or her or his, (I don't know) other name, Muhammad Sajad Kamaruzzaman on, his or her IC? Argh!. We'll be using female pronouns for now.
It was speculated that Sajat apostated from Islam through a live Instagram broadcast. It signaled shockwaves throughout social media and stimulated many reactions from different parties. The reason was from the fervent mockery and bellicose attitude from Malaysian society.
Some of the comments were threatening which included criminal intimidation of killing her. Malaysia is known to be a very conservative country, embedded within their social norms and standards. It is not rare to hear that the LGBT community face persecution and ridicule. Due to this stigma, many of their constitutional rights had been divested.
This came from one NGO, the Justice for Sisters (JSF) where they advocate for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trangeder people. The founder, Thilaga Sulathireh said that extreme treatment toward this marginalized group of people are justified through draconian laws.
Sisters in Islam (SIS) also commented that death threats and prejudice toward the LGBT disenfranchised community is liable to punishment as under section 506 of the Penal Code, read with section 503 for imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine or both. Meanwhile, at the same time an offence under section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.
Sajat on the run!
As of now, photographs of Sajat had been distributed at Malaysian borders to detect whether Sajat had absconded from the country. The possible border as stated by the General Operations, Northern Brigade Deputy Commander Assistant Commissioner, Mohd Noh Khamis is Thailand. During the pandemic, only laden vehicles with industrial goods are permitted to cross the borer.
He further said that the she might disguise as someone else to evade identification by the authorities, hence there would be strict inspection at the borders. Though, the reason why the authorities are hunting her is not because she have apostated, but she had a Shariah Court hearing which she absented. Sajat committed the offence before the date of hearing three years ago. From there, an arrest warrant was issued for that absence.
Sajat was charged as under section 10(a) of the Shariah Crimes (State of Selangor) Enactment 1995 which provides for a sentence not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, if convicted.
The substance of that provision refers to offence of insulting Islam or causing Islam to be insulted either by mocking or blaspheming the faith and its associated practices and rituals either in a written, pictorial or photographic form.
Three years ago in 2018, Sajat was charged because she had worn a baju kurung in a religious event which was witnessed on a live broadcast that she denied. She denied all allegations.
Therefore, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) with 122 personnel are on a quest to capture her, together with the requested cooperation of the police. This charge and case is solely under the purview and jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts as the offence was of Islamic matters. Though, it was found that MAIS and JAIS still had limited jurisdiction to arrest her, until the court grants the order.
Conclusion
Whatever the the outcome of the hunt for Sajat, as a progressing society, we have to tolerate and understand each other's differences and settle any disputes amicably. This would include the LGBT community which they deserve compassion and two-way communication with the whole of society. Every person is equal under the Federal Constitution and should be treated and protected without bias or prejudice.
References,
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/03/05/take-threats-against-nur-sajat-transgender-community-seriously-say-activists/
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/04/01/authorities-distribute-nur-sajats-photos-to-border-checkpoints-in-bid-to-st/1963042
https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/128259/BERITA/Semasa/Bidang-kuasa-JAIS-MAIS-terhad-untuk-tahan-Nur-Sajat
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/03/20/cops-say-joining-hunt-for-nur-sajat-following-request-from-selangor-islamic/1959377
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/03/31/police-say-probing-claims-nur-sajat-may-have-escaped-overseas-amid-hunt/1962747
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