The open letter by the 25 Malaysians has been posted as a form of petition in the Change.org website, and is available here.
The group, calling itself "KamiJuga25" (We, too, are 25), said, among others, that they reject the notion that Islam is under attack in Malaysia.
They also rejected the notion that concepts such as liberalism and humanism are in contradiction with Islam and undermine Islam's position in the Federal Constitution.
"Malaysia
cannot stand in the eyes of the world and claim that it is a model
country for moderation and progressive Islam when it violates the very
guarantees and teachings of the religion regarding other faiths,
oppresses and punishes moderates, rewards and protects extremists and
radicals," the letter reads.The letter is signed by 25 Malaysians across all races.
Writer and actor Kee Thuan Chye (above, left) and Sharyn Lisa Shufiyan, the great-granddaughter of first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, are among the signatories.
The group comprises lawyers, radio hosts and a variety of people from other professions.
"As Malaysians, we must find the courage within us to acknowledge and fight injustice. If we disagree with others, let’s not ban them. Let’s engage, discuss, argue and work to convince. The Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees the right to freedom of expression," the letter says.
"Great moments are born from great opportunity. This is one such opportunity.
"We cannot and must not stand silently by and allow faith to be misused as a weapon to suppress peaceful dissent, intellectual discourse and opinions and to oppress those who would challenge and support contrarian positions. It is unjust and we should never tolerate the use of faith to divide us," it adds.
At this time of writing, the petition has been signed by 333 supporters.
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