Oct 07 2008
Why HIV testing only for Muslims?
I’m curious as to why HIV testing is not done for all Malasyians. I read in papers that in certain states like Johor, its compulsory for Muslims to obtain a certificate before getting married. Now, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz said all state religious authorities agreed to implement and enforce the ruling in a meeting in July. So, 2009 onwards its compulsory HIV testing for all Muslims. Furthermore, the test is for free of charge!
Now, lets look at the body that issues the statement - JAKIM, which is solely for Islamic affairs. That’s fine because the religion is stated as religion of the federation. But, problem now is that members of that religion are getting extra non-religious benefit. Of course the funds for the free test may come from zakat collection or other sources which is not from non-Muslims. But my point is that, the non-Muslims are deprived of such free services or even such rulings which can protect innocent lives. Why? Because we don’t have a body to protect our rights. There’s no “non-Muslims Development Department” or “Other Religions Development Dept” or whatever. Can we expect Malaysian Hindu Sangam or MCCBCHST to issue such rulings when they are toothless and moneyless?
Not only free testing, the religious authorities will even give couples detected with HIV “counselling and advice on preventive measures, and on how to prepare themselves physically and mentally”, says the director-general.
Why not the Health Ministry and NRD work together to take over this task and make it compulsory for all Malaysians who want to get married.
Are non-Muslims lives cheaper than Muslim lives?
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