Addressing sexual harassment and strengthening moral education in Muslim religious institutions

Response to parliamentary questions on online poll sexualising female Muslim religious teachers and Islamic programmes in Muslim religious institutions

Question

Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) when did MUIS first receive a complaint on the sexually-explicit online poll targeting at women Islamic religious teachers and what was the action taken; (b) since the matter was first reported till now, how many similar cases have been reported to MUIS; (c) what measures are being taken by MUIS to counsel and rehabilitate the suspects; and (d) when will MUIS introduce a comprehensive revision of its moral education programme for students of Kids aLIVE and Teens aLIVE and the Muslim public.

Response

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs & Minister for Social and Family Development:

1. On 26 May 2021, Muis received complaints from concerned members of the public about an online poll sexualising female Muslim religious teachers. Muis immediately reached out to offer support to the victims of the poll, such as counselling as well as psychological, emotional and religious support. Muis also lodged a police report for the police to investigate the poll. As Police investigations are ongoing, Muis is unable to provide further comments until full investigations have been completed.
2. Over the past 3 years (i.e. from January 2019 – June 2021), Muis has received a total of 12 complaints  alleging that a member of the asatizah fraternity was a perpetrator of sexual harassment, and 2 reports where asatizah were victims of sexual harassment. There have been no similar cases of sexual harassment reported to Muis since the online poll.
3. The Islamic education curriculum for full-time and part-time madrasahs, such as Kids aLIVE and Teens aLIVE, are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant in addressing emerging issues and developments affecting our Muslim children and youths.