RELIGIOUS CHARLATANS: Law should be enacted to protect people

06 January 2014| last updated at 11:17PM

In Malaysia, although Islam is the federal religion, the government permits the practice of other religions.

This freedom to practise one's religion and beliefs, especially in a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious country like Ma-laysia, has created a unique spiritual platform for people from all walks of life to live in a peaceful environment with mutual respect.

However, over the years, I have noticed that the freedom of religious practices in the country has somewhat been hijacked by individuals or cults with a different agenda.

Going by the number of media reports of scams and crimes committed by those who claim to be spiritual gurus or mediums is worrying and a cause for concern.

Many of the victims of these religious frauds and scams happen to be our women folk.

Molestation and rape committed by mediums are on the rise, too.

It is sad to note that many innocent people, including the educated, have been conned into parting their money by religious shenanigans camouflaging as spiritual gurus and mediums.

A recent exposure in Tamil press of a spiritual guru's scams has created anxiety and anger in the Indian community.

The time has come for the authorities to consult religious bodies and non-governmental organisations to explore the idea of enacting a law to protect the public from the clutches of these shenanigans.

Original post:
RELIGIOUS CHARLATANS: Law should be enacted to protect people