Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - 21 Dec 1995
Mahathir was responding to reporters questions after Abdul Hamid Othman, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) tests would be required.
Abdul Hamid had said a ruling last Saturday by the Islamic Affairs Department would make HIV tests mandatory for Moslem couples by 1997. But Mahathir said the cabinet would decide and would consider whether it should apply to non-Moslems as well.
Islam is the official religion in Malaysia where just over half the population is Moslem.
Abdul Hamid had said tests for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS would be introduced by 1997 to "ensure a mentally and physically healthy Moslem stock."
But Mahathir was quoted by the national news agency Bernama as saying: "This matter involves the public, not only Moslems. Non-Moslems can also contract HIV."
Malaysian television has recently aired public warnings telling women to make sure their husbands are free of HIV before tying the knot.
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