The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said this in response to Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor’s remark that the fatwa or edict which established Shia as a devious teaching could be reviewed based on the argument that the previous consensus only stated that it was against the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Islamic (Sunni) sect.

Wan Salim reportedly said the review could be done by taking into consideration the fact that Shia was still in line with Islamic teaching and that Sunni Islam did not represent Muslims as a whole.

He, however, said Shia teachings must be practised discreetly because it contradicted with Sunni teachings, apart from fear that it would cause unrest and division among Muslims.

“There are two things in this matter (regarding the fatwa). Firstly, all Shia teachings are deviant. Secondly, the fatwa says that Malaysia follows Sunni teachings.

“But should action be taken just because people follow Shia teachings? Or because they are Shias and they are promoting Shia Islam? These are two different things,” said Mujahid when met by reporters after the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration held here at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

He noted that Article 11 of the Federal Constitution stated there was freedom to practice religion.

He said this freedom, however, should be read with the caveat under Article 11 (4) that “such teachings cannot be promoted”.

“So that is why there should be a guideline between the right to embrace any religion and teaching, and promoting it,” he said.

Article 11(4) forbids the propagation of non-Islamic religions to Muslims.