Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar has no business threatening shariah charges against Wan Sabrina Wan Rusli (“Sabronzo” of girl group Dolla), says lawyer-activist Latheefa Koya.
Latheefa said ministers have no authority to investigate or prosecute citizens, and Na’im’s “tirade” against the singer had publicly shamed her, even though she has not been found guilty of any offence.
He has prejudiced her fundamental right to a fair investigation and trial, she said in a post on X tonight.
Latheefa, a former chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, said prosecutions, whether civil or shariah, could only be decided on by the prosecuting authority, after a fair and impartial investigation by the relevant investigative bodies.
Under the constitution, the attorney-general, as public prosecutor, holds sole authority to decide whether to prosecute someone on criminal charges. However, prosecutions under Islamic law come under state religious authorities.
Latheefa’s remarks come after Universal Music Malaysia took down the music video for Dolla’s latest song, “Question”, which had sparked heated reactions from conservatives on social media for their revealing attire.
The video showed members Sabronzo, Tabitha Ariel Lam (Tabby) and Angelina Chai (Angel) dressed in halter-neck tops with corset bodices paired with miniskirts, and in outfits with bare shoulders and exposed midriffs.
Na’im said yesterday he would consider filing shariah charges against Sabronzo, and that he would look into whether Dolla had breached any regulations and shariah law enactments.
Latheefa also criticised the general backlash to Sabronzo and the video as “sensationalist”, saying it displays a “distasteful obsession with female purity, whilst ignoring harmful misogynistic attitudes in society”.
“It would be best if Na’im focuses on real problems instead of scrutinising Dolla’s performances,” she said.
