Article 11 protest: Three to be charged
Muhammad Razif - Jul 25, 06
Two PAS leaders and an ulama (Muslim religious scholar) will be charged with
illegal assembly for allegedly participating in a demonstration against a forum
on the freedom of religion by Article 11 in Penang.
The PAS leaders are its Bukit Bendera deputy chief Abdul Rahim Ismail and its
state deputy youth chief Hafiz Nordin. The ulama was identified as Shauhul
Hamid.
PAS state youth committee member Saiful Lizan Mohd Yusuf told malaysiakini the
trio received an order asking them to be present at the Timur Laut Sessions
Court on Friday.
They were accused of participating in the illegal gathering outside Hotel
Cititel on May 14 between 8am and 10.30am. They will be charged under Section
27(5) of the Police Act 1967.
In the demonstration, some 500 people armed with placards and banners called
for the forum to be cancelled. However, its organisers continued with the
programme until the police intervened.
The demonstration drew flak from various quarters, including Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who also advised those discussing religions to exercise
caution as it is a sensitive issue.
Believed to be the organisers
Meanwhile, Saiful Liza revealed that Abdul Rahim, Hafiz and Shauhul were
previously questioned by the police over the incident.
The police believe that they were the organisers and leaders of the
demonstration, he said.
PAS Penang and several other organisations will arrange for their legal
representation, he added.
Article 11 organised a similar programme in Johor Bharu on Sarurday amid heavy
police presence. Despite some 500 protestors taking to the streets, no untoward
incidents were reported.
Detractors claimed that these forums challenged the standing of Islam in
Malaysia.
-----------------------------------------
10,000 Muslims attend forum on apostasy -
Fauwaz Abdul Aziz - Jul 24, 06
More than 10,000 Muslims flooded the Masjid Wilayah in Kuala Lumpur to attend
a forum that centred around the contentious issue of apostasy.
The roads surrounding the mosque were littered with hundreds of vehicles,
bringing traffic in the area to a crawl. About 3,000 people filled the hall
while the rest gathered outside.
Among the personalities who spoke at the forum titled The Syariah and Current
Issues were former Bar Council presidents Sulaiman Abdullah and Zainur
Zakaria, Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria, constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari
and Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) president Yusri Mohamad.
Other speakers were Syariah lawyer Kamar Ainiah Kamaruzaman, former Penang
mufti Sheikh Azmi Ahmad, and forum chairperson Azmi Abdul Hamid (right), who
heads the Malay-advocacy group Teras.
The speakers called on the authorities to continue with what they said was the
historic tendency to strengthen the countrys Islamic institutions and not
weaken them.
We have every right to seek the continuation of this process of Islamisation,
said Teras Azmi, who also accused certain quarters of using apostasy to weaken
that process.
On several occasions during the three-hour forum, tempers flared when the sound
system broke down and those outside the mosque were unable to hear the
speakers. This led the vexed crowd to chant Allahuakbar.
The overwhelming turnout had also caught the organisers by surprise. Also
present were former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and former deputy
minister Ibrahim Ali (right).
The resolutions
Meanwhile, the forum resolved that:
The authorities ensure that the current system and status of Islam as
provided by the Federal Constitution be maintained and accepted by all persons;
The Federal Constitution and other laws be strengthened to stop attempts to
use the courts to weaken the position of Islam;
All Muslims should act in unison in defence of Islam;
Every threat to Islam signifies a threat to the dignity and position and the
Malay Rulers who are the heads of Islam in every state and to the integrity of
the Islamic institutions;
Efforts to overhaul and erode the position of Islam in the Constitution and
national laws should be stopped;
The mass media should be ethical, professional and firm in not taking sides
in issues involving Islam and not advocate the view of Malaysia as not being an
Islamic state and Islamic practices as a merely matter of private morality. The
media is also urged to give space for the Islamic religious authorities to
express their perspectives and not sideline the voice of mainstream Islam;
Religious rights and freedoms should be understood in the framework of
Islam, not according to individual inclinations;
All state and federal legislative assemblies should pass enactments that
prevent the propagation to Muslims of religions other than Islam, and these
should be implemented immediately.
The government should reject efforts of the West and non-governmental
organisations to coopt and use local NGOs, members of the academic, and
individuals to influence laws and policies connected to Islam;
Statements of support by certain Muslim leaders that Islam is an individual
and private matter are of concern;
Malaysian Bar Council has taken a partisan stand without considering the
views of Muslim lawyers who make up more than 40 percent of the Malaysian Bar.
The Council, in the name of human rights, has interfered in Islamic matters and
this goes against the objectives of the founding of the Council.
Azmi said the resolutions would be submitted to the Council of Malay Rulers,
the prime minister, members of Parliament and state legislators.
Brewing tensions
The forum came on the heels of moves by Islamic groups to mobilise and gather
support against what they perceive as efforts by certain quarters to weaken
Islam.
Recently, Muslim civil and Syariah lawyers set up a group called Lawyers in
Defense of Islam' (PPI). Days later, several Islamic non-governmental
organisations formed a coalition called Pembela (defenders).
Tensions have been brewing over the efforts by lawyers and NGOs, such as the
Article 11 coalition (named after an article on the Federal Constitution on
religious freedom), to call for a review of the Islamisation process.
An Article 11 public forum in Johor Baru last Saturday proceeded without any
untoward incidents despite the presence of protestors.
------------------------------------------
Cops keep the peace, JB forum proceeds smoothly
Claudia Theophilus - Jul 22
The Article 11 public forum in Johor Baru today proceeded without any
untoward incidents amid overwhelming police presence, quelling fears of a
violent clash with anti-apostasy protesters.
While the protesters led by PAS were gathering at a discotheque carpark
adjacent to Hotel New York about 100 meters away from Hotel Selesa, the forum
venue, police were taking their positions around the venue as early as 7am.
There were mobile police vans, land rovers, patrol cars and personnel for
traffic control.
Several riot police trucks and a police helicopter were already on stand-by in
the compound of the Johor police contingent headquarters located across the
road from the hotel.
About 300 protesters comprising PAS members and Muslim non-governmental
organisations, all the way from Kuala Terengganu, Penang, Kota Baru and Alor
Star, converged to show support.
Throughout the demonstration, they were calling for total elimination of any
attempt to form an IFC (inter-faith council) or use constitutional provisions
against Islam, and demanded for the Police Act to be used to halt proceedings.
Led by Johor PAS commissioner Dr Mahfodz Mohamed (right), who followed from the
back, the group marched right up to the hotel steps chanting various slogans in
Malay and Arabic, interspersed with doa and recital of Quranic verses.
200 cops present
At the hotel entrance which was tightly barricaded by uniformed and riot
police, the group continued chanting and shouting slogans for almost two hours,
which ran parallel with the forum proceedings upstairs.
Demonstrators carried printed slogans - "Pertahankan hak umat Islam" (Defend
Muslims' rights), "Jangan Cabar Kami" (Don't dare us), "Jangan Ganggu Agama
Kami" (Don't meddle with our religion), "Jangan Sentuh Sensitiviti Islam"
(Don't touch on Islamic sensitivities) and "Hancurkan Gerakan Anti-Islam"
(Crush Anti-Islam movement).
About 200 uniformed, plainclothes and light strike force (riot police)
personnel were deployed, southern Johor Baru district police chief SAC Roslan
Ahmad told reporters when met on location.
"I'm informing you that this is an illegal assembly but the discussion channel
is still open. I'm giving you the first warning to disperse. I will also be
discussing with the organisers," he said, greeted by jostling and loud jeering
from the crowd.
"Cancel it! Cancel it! Allahu-akbar!" they chanted. "Down with the infidels!
Don't meddle with Islam!"
Unperturbed by the hostile responses, Roslan continued: "Since I've given you
the warning, it is wise for you to disperse immediately."
The first hour-and-a-half saw Roslan taking turns to negotiate with the
protesters and the forum organisers, trying to appease the opposing sides and
ease tensions.
A group of protest leaders including Mahfodz were escorted until the hall
entrance where they continued to negotiate for the forum to be stopped.
There was a tense stand-off outside the hall where the forum was being held,
prompting organisers to lock the doors and block the entrance. A large number
of police personnel were also stationed outside and inside the hall.
By then, tensions were running high, so much so that when a protester started
shouting in frustration, the police jumped on him and quickly dragged him away
from the hall entrance.
Calling up leaders
At this juncture, about 11.07am, Roslan ordered all journalists to leave
immediately, insisting that the situation may turn ugly if police had to act.
They were escorted down by police officers.
Asked later on the status of the gathering, Roslan confirmed that it was
illegal.
"It is definitely an illegal assembly. Of course, it is. A few leaders and
personalities have been identified and we will call them up soon."
He said police reports have been lodged and they will start investigations
tonight.
Asked why riot police did nothing, as opposed to immediate action by their
Kuala Lumpur counterparts, after the first warning to disperse was ignored,
Roslan said: "I was considering security measures. Anyway, they didn't do
anything."
"That's why I was discussing with both parties to end it before 1pm as
scheduled in the forum programme. There was no incident and it can be
considered peaceful.
"In fact, both sides 'won' because they had equal time to do what they
wanted."
Just before the forum started, coalition member Women's Aid Organisation
executive director Ivy Josiah said she was happy with the police presence.
"It's a bizarre feeling to see this many personnel but I'm glad. The police
said they will not stop the forum but will be around to monitor the situation."
Met earlier before the march, Mahfodz told malaysiakini all they wanted was for
the forum organisers to call it off.
"They are interfering in Islam, which amounts to criminal action. We will
conduct a peaceful march today. It won't happen like in Penang," he said,
referring to an earlier leg of the forum.
"But if challenged, we can't just keep quiet. We don't want to see apostasy
continuing before our very eyes in a country that proclaims Islam as the
official religion.
"The fact remains that once you're in Islam, there's no leaving. Only the
syariah court can handle such matters, so we consider this as meddling into our
religious affairs."
Unhappy Muslims, he said, were not opposed to the freedom of other religions.
"But we must protect, defend and uphold our belief. There is no compromise on
this. We're not bound by the freedom clause in the constitution. People can
express their opinion but not interfere."
'Don't be emotional'
The Penang forum was aborted within 45 minutes following aggressive protests
outside the Cititel hotel compounded by the police's failure to control the
situation.
Protest leaders were heard repeatedly reminding the crowd, with the womenfolk
standing at the back, to remain calm.
"Be careful not to get emotional. You must all keep your emotions under
control. This (march) is to send a clear message from all Muslims in Johor on
what we feel about the IFC (inter-faith council) and Article 11 (coalition),"
said a leader through a loud-hailer.
Several vocal protesters, interspersed with chants and brief speeches of group
leaders, loudly blamed the kafirs (infidels) for trying to destroy Islam.
The forum ended at 11.30am once lawyers Malik Imtiaz and Honey Tan,
constitutional law expert Prof Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi and Women's Aid
Organisation president Meera Samanther finished their talk and concluded the
question-and-answer session.
The demonstrators dispersed about 20 minutes later.
The public forum 'Federal Constitution: Protection for All' was co-organised by
the Article 11 coalition comprising 13 NGOs and the Bar Council.
Today marks the second protest to the Article 11 roadshow to raise awareness on
citizens' constitutional rights, an effort detractors believe is actually a
move to facilitate apostasy among Malays.
-----------------------------------------------------
Lawyers set up group to defend Islam
Fauwaz Abdul Aziz - Jul 13, 06
About 100 Muslim lawyers attended a meeting at the Federal Territory Syariah
Court building yesterday to form a group, Peguam Pembela Islam (PPI) or Lawyers
in Defence of Islam, to counter what they termed as concerted efforts to attack
Islam.
Top on the PPI agenda is to tackle the partisan stand taken by the Bar
Council on cases of apostasy from Islam. In the long term, PPI also seeks to
counter moves by certain quarters to liberalise the Federal Constitution.
"Cognisant of the recent attacks against the religion of Islam, a group of
Muslim lawyers held a meeting today to take action to defend the position of
Islam in this country," former Bar president Zainur Zakaria told a press
conference held after the three-hour meeting.
"Some quarters have questioned and challenged the position and status of Islam
in this country by using the argument that the human rights of individuals is
higher than Islam," he added.
Zainur (left) heads the pro tem PPI committee that includes Kamar Ainiah
Kamaruzaman, Zulkifli Nordin, Shamsuriah Sulayman, Zaiton Othman, Mohd Razi,
and 10 other senior civil and syariah lawyers.
At a Federal Court hearing on the appeal of Christian convert Lina Joy, the Bar
Council, for which lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar held a watching brief, was
questioned on its 'partisan stand' on the Lina Joy case.
To strengthen Islam
In an earlier proceeding, Malik had submitted that Article 11 of the
constitution pertaining to religious freedom allowed Joy to declare the
religion of her choice without being certified to do so by the Islamic
religious authorities.
Zulkifli, representing the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia, argued that the
Bar did not have the mandate to assert its position either for or against the
case before the court.
Zulkifli also contested that Malik's submission was not representative of the
Bar's 4,000 Muslim members.
Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh later came out to express the Council's
full support of the 'partisan stand' as stated by Malik.
At yesterday's meeting, PPI committee members said a resolution on the matter
has acquired the endorsement of more than 50 Muslim laywers and will be sent to
the Bar Council very soon.
During the meeting, which also saw the participation of several Muslim
non-governmental organisations, Zulkilfli said that Muslim lawyers should seek
to strengthen Islam within the framework of the Federal Constitution and laws
within the country.
"If (certain groups) want the constitution to be liberalised, we want the
constitution to be strengthened to reflect the supremacy of Islam," said
Zulkifli.
Zulkifli (left), who decried the non-chalant attitude of many Muslim lawyers
and NGOs on the issue, also said that apostasy has far reaching implications
for the Muslim community.
Among the implications of allowing Muslims in this country to apostasise, he
argued, was religion could become arbitrarily interpreted and practiced in any
manner chosen by its adherents.
Persons professing the faith at any point in time could choose to declare their
apostasy from the religion in order to escape Islamic legislation, said
Zulkifli, referring to proscriptions against adultery, fornication and other
matters.
Zulkifli also said religious bodies such as the Department of Islamic
Development (Jakim) and the various state departments and councils of Islamic
religious affairs would become powerless.
The prerogative of the Malay rulers would also be non-existent as matters of
religion provided for by the Federal Constitution would no longer be under the
powers of the sultans, he said.
Most importantly, Zulkifli added, Muslims could no longer be assured that their
children would abide by the tenets and practice of Islam once the doors to
apostasy to those who reached the age of majority were open.
He also said that apostasy also throws into question the constitutional
definition of the Malay, which has been based on the practice of Malay customs,
the use of the Malay language, and the adherence to the Islamic faith
-------------------------------------------------------
Article 11 submits 20,000 signatures to PM
Arfa'eza A Aziz
Jun 23, 06 11:52am
The Article 11 coalition has submitted an open letter to Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi seeking re-assurance from him that Malaysia will not be a
theocratic state.
The letter - Reaffirming the Supremacy of the Federal Constitution -
supported by some 20,000 signatures from Malaysians was delivered to Abdullahs
office in Putrajaya by the coalition yesterday morning. It was received by the
prime ministers private secretary.
The coalition representatives - Ramdas Tikamdas of National Human Rights
Society, Norhayati Kaprawi from Sisters in Islam and Womens Aid Organisations
Ivy Josiah, Meera Samanther and Vizla Kumaresan - were assured that the letter
would be handed over to Abdullah as soon as possible.
In the letter, the coalition which comprises 13 non-governmental organisations
seeking to defend constitutional rights in light of recent conflicts with Islam
- also called on the government to ensure governance in accordance with the
Federal Constitution and premised on the universal values of all Malaysians.
We call upon the government to recognise the proper position of the judiciary
within the constitutional framework as an independent and equal arm of the
Government, it stated in the letter.
In a statement today, Article 11 explained that the letter was handed over to
Abdullah because the premier is in a unique position to ensure adherence to
the letter.
Article 4(1) of the constitution declares the Federal Constitution as the
supreme law of the federation and that the oath of office of all
parliamentarians, cabinet ministers and judges is to defend the constitution.
As the head of the government of Malaysia and leader of the largest party in
the ruling coalition, the prime minister is uniquely placed to ensure adherence
to the letter of the constitution as well as its spirit of democracy, good
governance and respect for all, it stated.
Malaysias blueprint
The coalition said it would continue to educate Malaysians on the importance of
the constitution as a blueprint for nation building so as to give life to
Article 11 which guarantees the fundamental liberty of every person in Malaysia
to profess and practice his religion.
Recent events in Penang where a forum was disrupted by belligerent protesters,
have shown how misinformation and intolerance were used to stifle rational
dialogues.
It also stressed that its signature-drive campaign and forums will continue.
Muslim groups have expressed objections against the forum organised by Article
11 claiming that it was held under the guise of constitutional rights and its
actual motive was to tackle matters pertaining to apostasy and conversion out
of Islam.
The coalition denied the allegations.
Both groups however have since agreed to hold dialogues to discuss the state of
religious freedom in the country.
Meanwhile, PAS national unity committee head Mujahid Yusuf Rawa said efforts
were underway in organising the dialogue with Article 11.
It will take place in the near future. However at this point of time, it is
too early to reveal when and where it will be held. But we are making
preparations, he said when contacted.
It is always healthy for opposing parties to have dialogues. It doesnt mean
that we have to accept each others view but there is a need to exchange ideas
as it would lead to a more harmonious environment, Mujahid said.
---------------------------------------------------
Article 11: Islamic leaders call for dialogue
Fauwaz Abdul Aziz - Jun 15, 06
Muslim religious figures have adopted an open-door approach to the Article
11' debate and called for dialogues to discuss the state of religious freedom
in the country.
PAS, a recent advocate of such dialogues, said it is planning to conduct its
own sessions and would not exclude those on the perceived extremes of the
issue.
As we are a political party operating in a civilised society, the door to
dialogue is always open. This will clarify things and clear misconceptions,
said Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, who heads PAS national unity committee.
Despite being a vociferous opponent of the Article 11 coalition, named after
the constitutional provision on freedom of religions, Mujahid said PAS was
"charting a way for dialogue in the near future" with all parties regardless of
the perceived "severity" of their views on the issue.
However, that holds for the other side as well. They cannot sideline us from
the discussions just because we hold opposing views, he said when contacted.
PAS had previously appeared to have taken a hardline stance against the
Article 11 coalition, particularly on the issue of conversion.
A youth wing leader tabling a motion at the partys recent muktamar (general
meeting) received overwhelming endorsement from PAS delegates when he inveighed
against what he alleged to be groups such as Article 11 to "apostasise Muslims".
State PAS youth members were also part of a 200-strong protest group that
disrupted an Article 11-organised public forum in Penang held in May to discuss
freedom of religion.
Constitutional supremacy
Mujahid pointed out, however, that the motion tabled by the youth wing - which
was seconded by the party's influential scholars wing Dewan Ulama and passed by
the delegates - also called for the party to discuss and engage the public,
especially non-Muslims.
The demonstration at Penang was not sponsored or directed by PAS, it was a
gathering of like-minded non-governmental organisations. We could not control
it as the issue had touched a raw nerve among Muslims, he added.
Mujahid insisted that the premise of dialogues with any party on such issues as
Article 11 was the supremacy of the Federal Constitution.
He further said that people also have to understand that historically the
efforts have been towards strengthening the position of Islam in the context
of the constitution, not the other way around.
People also have to understand that unlike other religions, the issue of
apostasy and syariah laws related to it are part and parcel of Islam itself.
If you talk of respect, you have to respect the faith first ...that provision
is not solely a matter of an article in the constitution. It is a matter of
faith, said Mujahid.
Among other Muslim religious leaders who have taken up the call for dialogue
was Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria who made the request two days ago at the
Muslim scholars annual national convention in Ipoh.
Islamic organisation JIM, one of the groups which protested against the Article
11 forum in Penang, said last week that it was ready to hold dialogues with the
coalition in order to resolve the problem.
Suaram and Hakam, two members of the Article 11 coalition, have welcomed the
offer to hold dialogues
--------------------------------------------------
Bar Council firm on apostasy stand
Fauwaz Abdul Aziz - Jul 4, 06
The position taken by the lawyers holding a watching brief for the Bar
Council in the Lina Joy case is in full conformity with the council's stand on
apostasy, said its president Yeo Yang Poh.
That position, said Yeo, did not emerge at any specific point in time following
discussions on the particular case of Joy but had developed over the years as
is the case of many other issues related to fundamental rights.
Such positions, Yeo added, need not be re-deliberated whenever a case arises
but is formed and made known over the years in statements and responses to the
media.
For example, in the issue of freedom of assembly, a couple of people may have
gotten arrested for holding an assembly - we dont take a position on it just
because several people have been arrested, said Yeo when contacted.
Yeo was commenting on a spat in the Federal Court yesterday between two council
members when one, exco member Zulkifli Nordin, denied the council had ever met,
discussed, or arrived at a decision on the question of apostasy that was truly
representative.
Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, holding a watching brief for the Bar Council, had said
earlier that Article 11 of the Federal Constitution allowed Joy to declare the
religion of her choice without being certified to do so by the Islamic
religious authorities.
In presenting his submission on behalf of the Muslim Youth Movement of
Malaysia, Zulkifli contested that Maliks submission last Thursday was not
representative of the councils 4,000 Muslim members.
Majority rules
Yeo confirmed that Malik had the Bars full authority to have made the
submission, but added that the council accommodates all views and
disagreements and is open to requests to review any stand deemed contentious.
Ultimately, said Yeo, the position of the council is based on the position of
the majority of its members.
If there are some council members who say we should re-look this issue, then
okay. If we can come to a consensus, thats fine.
"But if we cannot, then we take a position based on the majority. Theres no
other way to work, he said.
Joy - whose Muslim name was Azlina Jailani - converted to Christianity in 1998
and is married to a Christian man. She had successfully applied in 1998 to
change her name but failed to have the entry Islam deleted from her identity
card.
The questions posed before the Federal Court are:
If the NRD is legally entitled to impose as a requirement a certificate or a
declaration or an order from the Syariah Court before deleting the entry of
Islam from the applicants (Joys) identity card;
If the NRD has correctly construed its powers under the National
Registration Regulations 1990 to impose the above requirement when it is not
expressly provided for in the regulations and;
Whether the landmark case of Soon Singh vs Perkim Kedah - which declared
that the civil courts will retain their jurisdiction unless an express
jurisdiction is conferred to Syariah Court - was rightly decided.
-------------------------------------------------
Islamic NGOs: Don't touch on sensitive issues
Jun 5, 06
translation Islamic non-governmental organisations called for an end to open
discussions concerning sensitive issues such as apostasy in Islam and the
jurisdiction of the syariah court.
The groups said they were not against the right of any party including
non-Muslims to discuss matters pertaining to Islam.
However, they added that it must be done with proper respect accorded to the
religion.
In order to preserve racial harmony, sensitive issues regarding Islam should
not be discussed, they stressed.
The NGOs urged all those involved in the Article 11 coalition to heed Prime
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawis advice to exercise caution when raising
religious issues.
Other channels
The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) said open forums and roadshows on
apostasy and Article 121 (A) of the Federal Constitution (pertaining to the
syariah court) must be stopped to avoid the recurrence of a demonstration
similar to the one held in Penang on May 14.
Article 11 must stop its programme. If it wants to continue championing these
issues, it should use other safer and effective channels, said Abim
secretary-general Khairul Arifin Mohd Munir.
We have the Attorney-Generals Chambers or the Islamic Department for
reference or to hold discussions with. Why not have a closed-door discussion
with the experts and authorities? he asked.
He said open forums with panelists who lacked expertise in Islamic law as well
as those who were biased would not resolve the problem.
Khairul added that Article 11 must re-look its approach regarding this matter.
Cause uneasiness
Echoing a similar view was the Malaysian Ulama (Islamic scholars) Association.
Its Penang chapter secretary-general Mohd Hafiz Nordin said Article 11 could
raise these issues but not in ways considered rude.
Such methods would cause uneasiness among Muslims and give rise to anti-Islam
sentiments, he added.
Mohd Hafiz, who was one of the main figures in the Penang demonstration, said
cases that have been decided such as that of the late Mohammad Abdullah @ M
Moorthy and Nyonya Tahir should not be raised
.
The syariah courts decision must be respected. What will happen if all the
cases at the syariah court are referred to and nullified by the civil court.
Wont there be chaos? he asked.
He also warned that the nations harmony would be threatened if people
questioned each others faiths.
What was opposed by the Islamic NGOs was the way Article 11 played this
issue. The manner was irresponsible, he said.
Meanwhile, Teras Pengupayaan Melayu (Teras) president Azmi Abdul Hamid said the
they were against the Penang forum because of the agenda to sideline syariah
courts.
Under the pretext of human rights, they condemned Islamic principles and the
syariah court. They have an hidden motive to place the syariah laws under the
civil laws, he alleged.
-------------------------------------------------
Police reports filed over 'enemy of Allah' statement
Selvam Arjunan - Jun 1, 06
Two police reports were lodged against the Anti-Interfaith Commission Body
(known by its Malay acronym Badai) over a press statement allegedly laced with
intimidations and threats towards the Article 11 coalition.
In the statement dated May 16 and circulated via email, Badai chairperson Mohd
Hafiz Nordin had called the coalition an enemy of Allah and warned it of
bigger risks in the future.
The police reports were lodged by human rights group Suaram representative Yap
Swee Seng and National Human Rights Society (Hakam) secretary-general Elizabeth
Wong at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.
Both Suaram and Hakam and members of the Article 11 coalition of 14 NGOs.
Wong said Mohd Hafizs comments had wide-ranging implications.
Badai described us as musuh Allah (enemy of Allah) in the e-mail, so in the
Islamic context, they are mentioning us as the enemy of the God and that
indicates that they are able to do anything to us, she added.
Hold discussion
On May 14, a jointly held forum by Article 11 and Aliran on freedom of religion
was stopped by police after a mob, said to be led by Badai, had protested
outside the venue.
Badais actions drew widespread criticism, including from the Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Mohd
Nazri Abdul Aziz.
The way they (Badai) disrupted the forum was ridiculous, they dont have any
rights to stop us. It is important to stress that police should safeguard
freedom of expression, said Suarams Yap.
He said Badai should instead engage the coalition in a healthy debate over
religious issues.
Among other matters, the Badai statement also called on Nazri to bertaubat
(repent) and not lend support to the Article 11 coalition which purportedly
gave room for apostasy among Muslims.
In a related development, Wong announced that Article 11 is planning another
forum in Penang as a replacement soon, while similar forums in Sarawak and
Johor are also on the cards due to public demand.
-----------------------------------------------------
Panduan untuk bakal pengantin & sudah berkahwin.. cara utk mengawal kewangan,
meningkatkan dana kewangan utk berkahwin & sesudah berkahwin, berbelanja secara
berhemah.. insha ALlah
layari laman web>> http://www.maskahwin.com/index.php?ref=delete
untuk keterangan lanjut
---------------------------------
New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 1GB of free storage!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Alternatif-Net : A Discussion Forum Focusing on Issues Related to Justice
Forum Perbincangan Maya Yang Fokus Kepada Isu Keadilan
Disclaimer: Messages sent do not represent the stand of the Barisan Alternatif
(BA) unless otherwise stated
Complaint : Send to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To Sub : Send blank e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To Unsub : Send blank e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alternatif-net/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
