Maszah Mohd Yusof, a dog trainer, has been arrested after a public outcry over an old YouTube video she uploaded showing her bathing her dogs and wishing viewers Selamat Hari Raya. Maznah, who is also known as Chetz, was arrested by the police around 4.30pm today and was taken to Bukit Aman for questioning.
The police report was lodged by Ruhizat Safie from Muslim NGO Pertubuhan Martabat Jalinan Muhibah Malaysia (MJMM), who urged the police to take “stern, drastic action” against Maznah.
President of MJMM also called for the arrest of the video producers: “We are angry, insulted and sad. Dogs are dirty in Islam.”
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) are also taking action on the video, fearing that it could affect Muslim sensitivities.
Dang Wangi district police chief ACPT Zainuddin Ahmad told sources that the case was classified under Section 298 of the Penal Code, which relates to “uttering words, etc,. with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person.”
If found guilty, Chetz could face between two to five years in prison.
Chetz has clarified that her intention was not to insult Muslims and Islam, but to remind them to celebrate Hari Raya with animals as well as humans. Her video shows her strolling near a mosque with three dogs while the ‘takbir raya’ plays in the background. It broadcasts the words ‘Raikanlah Aidilfitri bersama-sama, tanpa mengira spesis, warna, asal- usul’ (Celebrate Aidilfitri together irrespective of species, colour and origin) while featuring a shot of the three dogs.
“My religion has taught me about the importance of cleanliness. Hence this is why in the video, I am cleaning myself and my dogs,” she said. [Source]
We feel that irregardless or race, culture or religion, showing compassion towards animals is never a crime.
Watch the video here and decide for yourself:
