Nooh Gadot said such an act is not only against the law, but also contradicts Islamic values.
He emphasised that Islam does not advocate the use of force in offering advice or spreading its teachings. Instead, Prophet Muhammad exemplified a gentle, wise, and considerate approach in his preaching.
“Among the ethical guidelines for offering advice are maintaining politeness (not being harsh or humiliating), avoiding coercion, understanding the recipient’s background and circumstances (in this case, a non-Muslim), and using kind words.
“The act of (allegedly) slapping the Chinese man for eating is not only a legal offence but also tarnishes Islam’s image as a religion of compassion and kindness,” he told FMT.
He warned that such aggressive behaviour could lead to misunderstanding, racial tension, and a negative perception of Islam among non-Muslims.
“Incidents like this should serve as lessons, not fuel for conflict,” he added.
In a post on X yesterday, the victim claimed the incident took place at a convenience store in a shopping mall in Johor.
According to him, as he was about to eat, an elderly Muslim man first asked if he was Chinese, then demanded to see his MyKad as proof.
The victim claimed that the man then got angry with him and slapped him several times. He added that the elderly man’s son defused the situation and apologised on behalf of his father.
The victim also said in his post that he accepted the apology by the man’s son, but still needed to make a police report as it was a physical assault in a public place.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, punishable with imprisonment for up to a year, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both upon conviction.
Commenting further, Nooh stressed that non-Muslims have the right to eat and drink in public during Ramadan as long as it is done respectfully, without intent to insult or provoke.
He reaffirmed that Islam upholds justice for all, including the rights of non-Muslims.
Yesterday, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar had condemned the actions of the elderly man, saying it did not reflect the true teachings of Islam.