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Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KEADILAN) does not agree with the resolution of its coalition partner, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), at its recent party conference calling for the National Fatwa Council to declare the non-governmental organisation, Sisters in Islam (SIS), as haram (forbidden) if its activities is found to be contrary to Islamic teachings and principles.

KEADILAN reiterates its respect for the rights to freedom of expression and association, both of which are fundamental liberties enshrined in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, as well as internationally recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As such, they ought to protected, if not promoted, despite diverging views on Islamic teachings and Syariah in Malaysia.

The rights to freedom of association and expression are fundamental human rights that are not only essential for human dignity but also a progressive and democratic society. Any differences in views ought to be tolerated and/or debated, rather than calling for a ban on the organisation that espouses different opinions.

Moreover, religion or religious views are very personal matters, and they ought not be strictly regulated by the authorities. Instead, every individual ought to study and analyse their own beliefs, which leads to a better understanding of their own religions, if not a stronger faith in their own beliefs.

Last but not least, Malaysia is a pluralistic society – we need to accept that it is natural to have differing views and opinions between religions and cultures and also within the same religions and cultures. KEADILAN believes that the goal for all Malaysians should be a progressive and democratic society, where diverse views are tolerated and debated; not a regressive and undemocratic society where diversity is condemned and rejected.


JONSON CHONG
Director of Communications

Comments (9)

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written by Old Man Jasin, June 08, 2009 16:29:11

Perhaps all the sisters in Islam should close all doors, be it main doors , bedroom doors and 'small doors' so that these arrogant male chavaunists could be taught a good lesson.

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written by jdoe, June 08, 2009 16:31:06

I voted Pas in the last GE, certainly not for these reasons.
If Pas carry on these arrogance, this will be the only and last time I will vote them.

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written by bodohland_citizen, June 08, 2009 16:37:06

Taliban ke kita ?

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written by cylee, June 08, 2009 17:03:02

I don't understand why Muslims want to interfere in Non-Muslim issues that does not concern them. This is not about Muslim rights or freedom of preach. This is about an organisation that is misleading Non-Muslims and causing them to stray into Islam, and Non-muslim is right to call for the ban. If you're a Non-Muslim or a member of Sisters in Non-Islam, then you can go ahead and defend them all you want, but Muslims should stay out
To talk cock like a Quitquy, just a piece of cake!!

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written by Whatif, June 08, 2009 22:00:02

quietguy, what do you not understand? We have Muslim sisters and daughters too. When they are bullied and victimised by some over-zealous Muslim men, it is our business to care. When you see some kids being abused by their parents, you want to stay out because it is a family affair?

Think about it.

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written by renoir, June 08, 2009 23:46:50

Well, my niece recently became a Muslim and I can say that I've every right to see that she's not hurt by some ulama's whims and fancies. I would like her to have the same basic human freedoms that I want for myself. But to get away from personal considerations, the fact is that Malaysians do have a right to care for other Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Should my Christian pastor declare that I'm a heretic for not believing in Christmas, and therefore want the government to ban whatever I say to my fellow Christians, I would expect my Muslim and Hindu brothers and sisters to stand by me, and oppose such a ban.

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written by toorikakari, June 09, 2009 00:11:46

In Malaysia, our legal system is based on Common Law. Additionally we want to see our brother's and sister's right to life is protected. Are we to allow injsutice to fall on our neighbours and turn a blind eye? I have friends and relatives who converted to Islam. As a humanrace, we must consider beyond religion.

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written by cylee, June 09, 2009 00:14:19

Pas to have unity talk with UMNO behind PR, upama Isteri yang baru khawin berkalwat dengan Ex-boyfriend nya. Inikah Ajaran Islam yang nak disampaikan oleh HADI AWANG??
Amat memalukan Ahli-ahli pas sekalian yang beriman.

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