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| Southeast Asia |
| DAP: Adopt moderate stance on Islam to counter âterrorist hotbedâ label |
| 2003-01-05 |
| The DAP is pleading with Umno and PAS to seriously think about taking on a more moderate stance in matters concerning Islam so as to dispel the notion that Malaysia is a terrorist hotbed. Referring to the New Yearâs Eve messages of major Indonesia-based Muslim groups Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang said Malaysia should consider a more moderate stand on Islam. âIf such voices of moderation (Indonesian groups) can be the mainstream opinion in a country which is home to the majority of the worldâs Muslims, it should be the guiding voice and principle for Malaysia which is a more pluralistic nation,â he said in a statement today. Lim quoted Muhammadiyah chairperson Ahmad Syafii Maarif as saying that there was no need to push on for shariah, but to âtake the substance of Islamic values and implement them in Indonesia, not the symbolsâ. I guess there's always hope. But it's still probably too early for the tide to turn. When they really do stop thinking of terms of "justice for Muslims" and start thinking in terms of "liberty and justice for all," that's when we'll have won. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |