G25 concerned over control of discourse on Islam in public

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal and state governments should review all Syariah laws that give power to religious authorities to control public discussion on Islam and its application, the G25 said.

In joining the Islamic Renaissance Front and other NGOs in the call, the G25 said that the restrictions on intellectual dialogues, public forums and banning of books raised a concern because Islam was being used in ways that were detrimental to the fundamental liberties guaranteed under the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

“This will damage the country’s reputation for tolerance and moderation on matters of race and religion.

“It will also adversely affect public and investor confidence on the social and political stability of the country,” it said on Sunday.

The group’s statement came following Turkish journalist Mustafa Akyol’s brief detention and send-off late last month.

Akyol was invited and scheduled to lecture on Islam in Malaysia before he was detained at the airport and was called in for questioning by the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi).

G25 said if religious authorities were empowered to impose their interpretation of Islam on Malaysians without any accountability for their actions, it would be difficult for Malaysia to progress as a modern democratic country.

Recently, the G25’s book Breaking the Silence meant to promote moderation in Islam was banned.

“As we strive to be a developed nation, differences of opinions should be managed through open discourse and dialogues which can overcome misunderstandings,” said the G25.