Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad today accused Islamic opposition party PAS of behaving in a draconian manner by calling for the ban of rights group Sisters in Islam (SIS).
Saying that he was saddened by the call, the 84-year-old statesman also shuddered at the thought of PAS forming the federal government.
"I don't always agree with the views of SIS. But they have not negated Islam. In most instances they cite verses of the Quran and Hadith to support their views," he said in a blog posting.
"If we don't agree then give the reasons why we don't agree. But to resort to banning is draconian. We can imagine what a PAS government for Malaysia would be like," he added.
During the recent PAS Mukatamar (assembly), a resolution was passed to call on the National Fatwa Council to ban SIS.
It also called for the Council to conduct a study over SIS' approach in its work to protect the rights of Muslim women, which PAS claimed is confusing to Muslims.
SIS, who has since described the call as retrogressive and undemocratic, was also accused of infiltrating the minds of Muslims with its "liberal thinking."
'Drop the word Islam'
Meanwhile, former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said SIS should change its name by dropping the word 'Islam'.
This would ensure that the organisation's comments or views would not raise concern among the Muslim community, he added.
Conceding that there is some degree of rationality behind PAS' anger, Khir however said SIS' contributions to society cannot be denied.
"But sometimes SIS acts beyond dogma and the viewpoints of the majority of Muslims and scholars.
"I feel that Muslims in this country, including PAS, are not anti religious debates and discussions," he said.
"But these discussions should be centred on enhancing knowledge, not to seek controversy and popularity,” he added.
By dropping the word 'Islam' from its name, Khir said SIS would no longer come under scrutiny or be judged whenever it issues a controversial statement.
Why am I called a racist?
In another development, Mahathir wondered aloud why he was being labelled a racist when he defended Umno or the Malays, but not those who speak up for ex-communist leader Chin Peng.
"If speaking up for the Malays is considered racist then are the Malays to be denied their right to speak for themselves?" he asked.
According to Mahathir, liberalism is fine but it should not benefit only certain people.
"By definition not benefitting certain people contradicts the very concept of liberalism," he said.
"I really don't think openly slugging it out on racial issues in Malaysia is healthy. But if that is what Malaysians want then they should be prepared to slug and be slugged," he added.
Recently there have been calls for the government to allow Chin Peng, 84, to return to Malaysia. He is currently in exile in Thailand.
However, the government has ruled this out and the suggestion drew flak from various quarters who view the former communist leader as a terrorist.
Saying that he was saddened by the call, the 84-year-old statesman also shuddered at the thought of PAS forming the federal government."I don't always agree with the views of SIS. But they have not negated Islam. In most instances they cite verses of the Quran and Hadith to support their views," he said in a blog posting.
"If we don't agree then give the reasons why we don't agree. But to resort to banning is draconian. We can imagine what a PAS government for Malaysia would be like," he added.
During the recent PAS Mukatamar (assembly), a resolution was passed to call on the National Fatwa Council to ban SIS.
It also called for the Council to conduct a study over SIS' approach in its work to protect the rights of Muslim women, which PAS claimed is confusing to Muslims.
SIS, who has since described the call as retrogressive and undemocratic, was also accused of infiltrating the minds of Muslims with its "liberal thinking."
'Drop the word Islam'
Meanwhile, former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said SIS should change its name by dropping the word 'Islam'.
This would ensure that the organisation's comments or views would not raise concern among the Muslim community, he added.Conceding that there is some degree of rationality behind PAS' anger, Khir however said SIS' contributions to society cannot be denied.
"But sometimes SIS acts beyond dogma and the viewpoints of the majority of Muslims and scholars.
"I feel that Muslims in this country, including PAS, are not anti religious debates and discussions," he said.
"But these discussions should be centred on enhancing knowledge, not to seek controversy and popularity,” he added.
By dropping the word 'Islam' from its name, Khir said SIS would no longer come under scrutiny or be judged whenever it issues a controversial statement.
Why am I called a racist?
In another development, Mahathir wondered aloud why he was being labelled a racist when he defended Umno or the Malays, but not those who speak up for ex-communist leader Chin Peng.
"If speaking up for the Malays is considered racist then are the Malays to be denied their right to speak for themselves?" he asked.According to Mahathir, liberalism is fine but it should not benefit only certain people.
"By definition not benefitting certain people contradicts the very concept of liberalism," he said.
"I really don't think openly slugging it out on racial issues in Malaysia is healthy. But if that is what Malaysians want then they should be prepared to slug and be slugged," he added.
Recently there have been calls for the government to allow Chin Peng, 84, to return to Malaysia. He is currently in exile in Thailand.
However, the government has ruled this out and the suggestion drew flak from various quarters who view the former communist leader as a terrorist.
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