KUALA TERENGGANU, Malaysia (AP) -- In his turban and long robe, Abdul
Hadi Awang looks very much the Islamic preacher he is.
So, many people were surprised when his first act as head of the new
Islamic-oriented government in the northern state of Terengganu was to
cancel plans for a huge mosque, calling it un-Islamic extravagance.
The bespectacled 53-year-old leader of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party
directed that the $26 million budgeted for the mosque be spent on
scholarships for poor children and improvements in villages.
Abdul Hadi formed his administration in December after his party won a
state election victory over the nationally dominant United Malays
National Organization of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. It is widely
seen as a test case of whether the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party will run
a moderate government and put its avowed Islamic agenda on hold.
In a country where about 40 percent of the people are non-Muslims, the
attitude of the Islamic party toward minorities could determine its
prospects in future elections.
The imposition of Islamic codes like amputation of limbs for petty
crimes and amendments to the constitution to make Malaysia an Islamic
state would likely alienate Chinese Christians and Buddhists and Indian
Hindus.
Mahathir and his allies tried to portray Abdul Hadi's party as a
collection of religious extremists and fanatics who would undo
Malaysia's spectacular economic gains by shutting out the world.
But riding a wave of discontent among Muslims over Mahathir's treatment
of ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Islamic party made a
dent in mainstream politics for the first time in years, winning control
of two northern states and tripling its seats in Parliament.
The party contested the elections in a coalition with three moderate
opposition groups, including one formed by Anwar's supporters. That
helped expand its support among Malays who do not necessarily support an
Islamic program.
Although Islam will be the theme, there is no proposal to impose Islam
in Terengganu, Abdul Hadi's government says. The focus is on helping
people in the state, which has remained poor despite being one of the
largest oil-producing regions in Malaysia.
Unlike more prosperous cities in the south, Kuala Terengganu has just a
few high-rise buildings. Most people still live in traditional Malay
homes built of wood on stilts and live off farming or fishing.
"We will abide by what is permissible and what is prohibited in Islam,"
Abdul Hadi said at his office in a 16th floor room where he sits facing
a computer fitted with microphones for video conferencing.
His administration has predictably outlawed drinking alcohol in public
places and declared gambling illegal, but it has not cracked down on the
few pubs and nightclubs that cater mostly to non-Muslims and tourists.
Nor has it issued edicts for either Muslims or non-Muslims.
"Moderation is the basis for Islam," Abdul Hadi said. "We recognize the
right of non-Muslims to consume alcohol, although I don't think any
religion condones alcoholism."
By contrast, in the overwhelmingly Muslim state of Kelantan, where it
has governed for nearly a decade, the party has restricted the sale of
alcohol, banned lotteries, promoted segregation of sexes in public and
even tried to impose Hudud, the Islamic criminal code, and an apostasy
law.
Terengganu, too, is open to Islamic approaches. Muslims live mostly in
villages and remain largely conservative. Men shun alcohol and women
wear headscarves and most businesses and offices are shut on Friday,
Islam's sabbath.
But Abdul Hadi's party wants to set an example in this state of model
governance rather than one of a theocratic administration.
Asked about his priorities, he listed developing the economy, attracting
investment and promoting openness in government.
"We have some hardcore poor to take care of, people who are homeless,
students who can't go to the university because of financial problems,
and infrastructure in villages," Abdul Hadi said.
There is no agenda to make its society more Islamic, he added. "All we
want to do is to infuse moral values in the administration."
For now, the state's Chinese residents -- Christians and Buddhists who
comprise about 10 percent of the 1 million people _ aren't worried.
Pork, considered impure by Muslims, is available. Non-Muslims also are
allowed to buy, sell and drink alcohol, and there are no prohibitions on
temples and churches.
"At first there was some concern," said Low Kian Chuan, a prominent
businessman. "But now the Chinese community as a whole is more
comfortable."
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