KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition member of parliament has proposed that a hotel in Langkawi owned by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) be converted into a museum on deviant teachings.
Langkawi MP Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah said the museum could educate people, most importantly children.
"I looked to see whether there is a museum on deviant religions, but found none. I only found Dracula museums in Romania and England.
"In light of recent cases (involving GISB), I realised that we don't have a place to refer to about deviant religions here.
"There are other deviant religions, such as Aum Shinrikyo founded by Shoko Asahara and the Order of the Solar Temple.
"I propose that a hotel in Langkawi owned by GISB be considered for conversion into a museum on deviant religions if there are no other suitable locations.
"I suggest that the religious minister (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar) look into this. Take over (the hotel) and transform it into a museum on deviant religions.
"This (museum) can not only serve as a reference for outsiders, more importantly, it can provide valuable education for children," he said when debating the 2025 Supply Bill.
Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer asked for clarification on whether Suhaimi was referring to deviant religions or deviant teachings.
Rayer: I would like to request clarification. When referring to the deviant religion in Japan, is it deviant religion or deviant teaching? I would like some clarification.
Suhaimi: I don't know how to argue with Jelutong about the difference between teaching and religion. Without teachings, there is no religion.
Rayer: No, I'm asking about the reference to the deviant religion in Japan. Is it religion or teaching? There's a difference.
Suhaimi: Deviant teaching...
Rayer: No religion is deviant, but teachings may be deviant. We shouldn't use the term deviant religion. If we accuse a religion of being deviant, that term might not be correct. Deviant teachings may exist, though.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul cut in, saying: "Alright, Langkawi. Please continue."
Suhaimi said: "Okay, Jelutong. Are you satisfied?"