A/HRC/40/53/Add.1 for Malaysian Muslim women in many contexts. This has reportedly homogenized women’s attire, normalized “modest” dress which is not traditional to Malaysia, and reduced Muslim women’s cultural choices. This transformation occurred in a short span of time, such garments being virtually unknown in Malaysia as recently as the 1970s. Other women are also affected by the regulation of “modesty”.19 Security guards are reportedly being allowed to police dress in some official buildings where it is impermissible to appear sleeveless. The Special Rapporteur was particularly concerned to hear reports that some girls had been told by teachers that they had to pay a fine if they came to school unveiled, and that a teacher had said that girls who covered were her children, but those who did not were not. She notes increasing representation of only one form of dress for Muslim women in official publications and textbooks. One human rights defender reported that a hijab had been photoshopped onto her photograph on the Internet. 77. The Special Rapporteur was also dismayed to learn that religious minorities had been prohibited since 1986 from using the Arabic word Allah (God), and of the seizure of publications using that word. This results in undue restriction on the freedom of religious minorities to express their faith as they wish to, and of non-religious people to openly discuss their beliefs. 78. There appears to be no official recognition or acceptance of non-religious persons, though experts indicate that there is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits being an atheist. The Special Rapporteur condemns the reported statements by ministers in the Prime Minister’s department that those involved in a gathering of atheists shortly before her mission should be investigated or forced into re-education. Non-religious persons must be recognized, alongside the wide variety of religious believers, as part of the fabric of a diverse and tolerant society. The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has regularly reiterated that “the right to freedom of religion or belief applies equally to theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs. Furthermore, the right not to profess any religion or belief is also protected.”20 79. The rule that those choosing to leave Islam must undergo counselling and must obtain a certificate from a Syariah Court to do so is demeaning and a limit on their right to take part in cultural life without discrimination. The Special Rapporteur was sorry to learn that some of the lawyers who had represented clients in such cases were reported to be shunned, and stresses that freedom of religion or belief includes the right to change one’s beliefs.21 80. Islamization has also affected official views of the past, with reports that the preIslamic history of Malaysia, as well as non-Muslim cultural heritage, are being omitted from textbooks so that the contributions of Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent and of indigenous peoples are marginalized. Certain contributions by indigenous peoples, such as stories, are progressively modified to make them more “Malay”, thereby erasing their origins. Ensuring that the rich heritage of the past is broadly shared is critical to promoting and protecting diversity and tolerance today. 81. One of the most worrying developments that the Special Rapporteur was informed about is the emergence of several abduction cases reportedly targeting those associated with religious minorities, including Pastor Koh. This suggests the possibility of extremist violence. She strongly supports the public inquiry held by SUHAKAM into these cases, and hopes that this body will be afforded every assistance and support in this regard. She calls for every effort to be made to locate the missing persons in question. 82. The Special Rapporteur is gravely concerned about the misuse of the concept of extremism to repress activities undertaken in accordance with international human rights standards. She was very sorry to receive reports that progressive Muslim groups and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex rights defenders had erroneously been 19 20 21 14 See also CEDAW/C/MYS/CO/3-5, para. 19. A/62/280, para. 75. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4, para. 5.