KOTA BAHARU -- The government will continue monitoring the activities of the Obedient Wives Club (OWC) to ensure they do not deviate from true Islamic teachings.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Jamil Khir Baharom said this was necessary before the government could take stern against the group for carrying out activities that could confuse Muslims and tarnish the image of Islam.
"The problem is, this group is operating under the guise of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), making it difficult for the government to take immediate action.
"They are operating behind different names. We cannot simply take action without having clear proof. What we can do is to watch out for the contents of the programmes they organise," he said after presenting appointment letters to Quran and Fardu Ain class teachers, here yesterday.
Jamil Khir said the OWC created the latest controversy by organising a campaign against moral decay in society by linking the Prophet to the issue of sex.
"They are portraying Prophet Muhammad as having a high sexual desire by marrying many women.
"Under the guise of an NGO, the OWC's activities seem to be focusing on sex and using the Prophet as an icon for Muslims with regard to the matter," he said.
Jamil Khir said statements made by the group's leaders before, such as "wives should behave like high-class prostitutes in bed" had touched the sensitivity of Muslims and degraded women.
On the proposed hiring of imam for a permanent post, he said the matter was being considered by the government towards enhancing the quality of imam in the country.
He said the proposal would become a reality as most imam today had high education up to university level and should be given the recognition like that enjoyed by other public servants.
