MPF Official Statement on PENANG PROTEST

The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) regrets the public demonstration that disrupted a forum in Penang recently organized by Aliran and the Article 11 Coalition on “The Federal Constitution: Protection for all” as widely reported by the media yesterday. We hope the authorities will investigate the incident and apply the law in a fair and just manner.

We recognize and reaffirm the right of any group or individuals to express their opinions on the above matter in a public forum. However, it must be pointed out that many Muslims see the controversy surrounding the Inter Faith Commission (IFC) and the calls for amendments/repeal of article 121 (1a) as one not of dialogue and cooperation among major religions, but one of provocation and Islamphobia. Hence playing with a highly charged and sensitive issue with the potential for emotive over-reactions and manipulation by irresponsible quarters.

The argument whether our federal constitution is secular or otherwise is an endless game. We reaffirm our confidence that its provisions that enshrines Islam as the religion of the federation while at the same time protecting the religious practices of others is a sound basis for tolerance and respect amongst Malaysians of all faiths.

We reiterate our position that sincere and honest dialogue is the way forward for religious harmony which Malaysians have been enjoying without the need for a body armed with statutory powers like the proposed IFC which Muslims have every reason to be suspicious of.

Although we respect the rights of the organizers to hold such a forum, we question their motive for resurrecting the controversy surrounding the Moorthy and Nyonya Tahir cases. Muslims have learnt some hard lessons over the former and have accepted with openness the Shariah court’s ruling over the latter, demonstrating that such cases can be dealt with justly and objectively by our dual justice system.

It is unfortunate that our present climate of relatively improved openness has been exploited to dwell on sensitive issues that are divisive to society rather than focusing on the more fundamental issues of justice as well as the material and social well being of ordinary Malaysians.

Dr. Sheikh Johari Bux
Founding Director
Muslim Professionals Forum
Suite 1810, 18th Floor, Plaza Permata,
Jalan Kampar,
Kuala Lumpur 50400
Tel : 03-40427139