CHARTER 2000-ALIRAN MEDIA STATEMENT
Respect differing views
Copies of the book, Hadharah Islamiyyah bukan Islam Hadhari (Islamic Civilisation, Not Civilised Islam), were reported to have been seized in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu apparently because it fundamentally challenges the Islam Hadhari that is being promoted by the government. If it is true that the books have been confiscated, it would certainly go against the very notion of freedom of expression and of diversity of opinions in a democratic society. Such an action would deserve all-round condemnation by people who treasure democracy and the freedom to express differing opinions. In this regard, we also would like to point out that PAS' recent call for Sisters-in-Islam to be deregistered is not too dissimilar with the Home Ministry officers' alleged heavy-handed action. PAS was unhappy with the opinions expressed by Sisters particularly those relating to their view on certain aspects of Syariah law in the wake of the recent moral policing in Kuala Lumpur. We agree with PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub's view that if you disagree with someone else's views, you just need to counter them with your own arguments. There is no need to resort to extreme measures such as confiscating Hadi's books from book-shops or, for that matter, calling for SIS to be deregistered. Only then can a culture of sober public discourse be cultivated and nurtured. Dr. Mustafa K Anuar & Anil Netto Joint Coordinators Charter 2000-Aliran 22 April 2005 Please support our work by buying a copy of our print publication, Aliran Monthly, from your nearest news-stand. Better still take out a subscription now. If you prefer to read our web-based edition, please support our work and make a donation.
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