Which constitutional article is cited to justify restrictions on religious propagation?

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Accepted Answer

Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution is cited to justify restrictions on religious propagation.

Minister in charge of Islamic affairs Datuk Idris Ahmad stated that Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution already restricts the propagation of any religions among Muslims in the Federal Territories. This assertion was made in response to a furore surrounding a proposed Bill aimed at controlling the propagation of non-Muslim religions. Ahmad clarified that the Bill itself is not entirely novel, as 10 Malaysian states have approved similar enactments since the 1980s.
Existing Constitutional Restrictions

Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution explicitly restricts the propagation of any religion to Muslims within the Federal Territories. This provision forms the basis for the existing legal framework that governs religious proselytisation. Ahmad highlighted that this constitutional clause has been in place, indicating that the proposed Bill seeks to align with or reinforce these existing limitations.
State-Level Enactments and Federal Territories

Beyond the Federal Territories, 10 Malaysian states have implemented similar enactments controlling religious propagation since the 1980s. The proposed Bill specifically targets the Federal Territories, with its implementation in other states contingent on their respective state assemblies' decisions. This distinction underscores the varying legal landscapes across different regions of Malaysia concerning religious matters.
Legislative Process and Constitutional Adherence

The proposed Bill is still undergoing a rigorous legislative process, requiring policy approval from the Cabinet, consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and passage through Parliament. Federal Islamic authority Jakim has reportedly studied the matter to ensure the proposed Bill does not contravene the Federal Constitution. This emphasis on constitutional adherence is crucial for the Bill's progression and public acceptance.

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Which constitutional article is cited to justify restrictions on religious propagation?

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