|
By Eileen Ng, The Associated Press A call is going out for a stronger role for Islam in Malaysia.
A group called the Defenders of Islam wants the government to declare Malaysia an Islamic-majority country and reject any attempt to make it a secular state. The Defenders of Islam is a loose coalition of about 100 conservative organizations representing students, professions and others. Among other things, it is also calling for wider powers for Shariah courts and stricter enforcement of religious and moral doctrines ahead of general elections next month. The National Front coalition, which has governed Malaysia since 1957, is led by the United Malays National Organization. It draws support from Malay Muslims and espouses a generally moderate form of Islam. About 60 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims. The rest are Christians, Buddhists and Hindus from the Chinese and Indian communities. Yusri Mohamad, president of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM), which leads the coalition, says recent racial and religious tensions in Malaysia stem from efforts by certain groups to challenge Islam's role in the multiracial country. "We want to remind all Malaysians to preserve and maintain the status quo," he said. "The formula may not be perfect but it has worked reasonably well. It is acceptable and sustainable." The Islamic groups' demands follow a campaign by Malaysian churches urging Christians to choose candidates in the March 8 polls who champion religious freedom. There are growing concerns among religious minorities that their rights are being eroded by a rise in Islamic fervour, which many blame on overzealous Muslim bureaucrats in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government. The fears have been fuelled by a recent government ban on the word "Allah" in Malay-language Christian literature, the demolition of Hindu temples, and court judgments favouring Muslims in disputes with non-Muslims. Yusri said the Islamic demands, which will be distributed to all candidates and political parties, were aimed at highlighting Muslim needs, not countering the Christian campaign. The groups' statement called for asserting "the significant role of Islam in the state." It also called for the power of Islamic Shariah courts to be strengthened and new laws to block the propagation of other religions among Muslims, especially in states with large minority populations. The groups also seek more Islamic studies in schools, increased scholarships for Muslims and the implementation of Islamic practices, such as prayers during school assemblies. Television stations should ban western entertainment programs such as reality shows and promote Islamic programming.
 |
The Blogs 
Seems this group wants to see more body snatching. If islamic laws were used, these bastards will be the first to have their hands chopped off. Filty bastards who are using islam for their own personal gain