by Joseph Masilamany

A Facebook post by a mufti has shed light on the group's relationships with influential figures in Malaysian society and politics. The Home minister believes it poses no threat, although the police are monitoring the situation. At stake is the delicate issue of balancing vigilance and guarantees for religious freedom in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – Malaysian police are monitoring the activities of a South Korean religious group alleged to have links with several influential Malaysian figures. However, the organisation does not currently pose a threat to national security, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

The minister said the Special Branch has been keeping tabs on the group, which has been described by some observers as a “cult”, following briefings on its structure, activities and local involvement.

The issue surfaced publicly after Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin claimed in a Facebook post that several Muslim members of Parliament and senior political figures were involved with the group.

Asri alleged that the organisation “uses the name of Jesus and makes various strange and deviant claims”. He also claimed photographs of MPs appearing with members of the group at events around the country had circulated widely over the past few years.

The affair has also caused a stir in light of legal proceedings currently underway in Japan and South Korea over the relationship between politicians and religious movements, such as the Unification Church founded by Reverend Moon.

Responding to the claims, Saifuddin urged Asri to provide any information he has to the police to facilitate a formal investigation.

According to the minister, the police are continuing to observe the group’s activities, which take place in various forms and settings. “This may explain why some local political figures are involved, as the activities appear benign on the surface,” he said.

He added that the Special Branch maintains a dedicated unit tasked with monitoring deviant teachings nationwide, tracking the modus operandi of groups and individuals whose activities may undermine public order, religious harmony or national security.

On 1  July, the Diocese of Melaka-Johor issued a pastoral letter cautioning Catholics in the diocese to be aware of the activities of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus cult.

According to the letter, the group hides behind names like Salt & Light, New Heaven, Bible Study Word, and Spirit Bible Study. The diocesan letter also pointed out that the group targets youths, students, and faithful Catholics.  

Malaysia has a long and sensitive history with cults and deviant movements, particularly those that blend religious teachings with political influence or militant tendencies.

Among the most prominent was Al-Arqam, a Muslim movement founded in the 1970s that gained widespread influence through businesses, religious communes, and social networks.

Although initially tolerated, Al-Arqam was banned in 1994 after religious authorities declared its teachings deviant and the government raised concerns about its parallel power structures and ideological control over followers.

Another case was Al-Maunah, a militant group that shocked the nation in 2000 when its members staged an arms heist from a military camp in Perak. The incident ended in a violent standoff and exposed how extremist religious ideology could morph into a direct security threat.

Security analysts say these past episodes explain why authorities remain cautious even when groups initially appear “harmless”.

Minister Saifuddin stressed that monitoring does not equate to criminalisation, noting that authorities must balance vigilance with constitutional freedoms.

“At this stage, there is no indication that the group threatens national security,” he explained. “But our responsibility is to ensure early detection, transparency and preparedness.”

The matter also raises sensitive questions about the intersection of religion and politics, particularly when elected representatives are seen associating with religious movements whose teachings are disputed.

The episode has reignited debate over how Malaysia should manage unconventional religious movements – especially those with foreign origins and political access – before they evolve into something more dangerous.

• malaysia
• south korean sect
• national security