Kuala Lampur, Sept. 10 -- The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for Islamic authorities to not curtail the right of Malaysians to freely practice any religion, as guaranteed by Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.

The commission expressed concern over the recent raid on Shiah Muslims in Gombak on Saturday, which also saw children being detained.

"Unless Malaysian authorities, NGOs and civil society respect and tolerate the religious practices of all persons, we cannot truly profess to be a diverse and multicultural nation," Suhakam said in a statement.

Article 11 states among others that every person has the right to profess and practise his religion, but cannot propagate their beliefs to Muslims.

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