Speech delivered by Anwar Ibrahim at the Regional Outlook Forum 2008, 8th January, Singapore

They say that the great divide between Islam and democracy may be summed up in a few phrases: it is a zero sum game because democracy’s gain is Islam’s loss while Islamization and democratization are contradiction in terms. The very topic given to me would logically lead to the inference that this is a battle to be fought on an uneven playing field. In fact, the word “Islamization” would conjure a kind of negative imposition on society, even if the process may be confined to Muslims. We know that recent events in Malaysia have given rise to the concern that the process has led to state sanctioned intrusion into the religious practices of citizens who profess other faiths. I shall talk about that later but for now, let us go back to this question of names and labeling.

Unlike the phrase “Islamization”, “democratization” immediately suggests positive associations. There is generally no confusion as to what constitutes the essence of democracy itself. Democracy is not just about elections or the popularity of leaders. It is about human rights, rule of law, and freedom and by that, I mean fundamental liberties in its widest sense. Democracy is also about maintaining and protecting the sanctity of constitutional principles, which are the crowning glory of the compact of the people. And when fundamental liberties are eroded, the rule of law gives way to the rule of man. I must pause to add that these are moral imperatives of Islam too. (more…)

Program ketat dan melelahkan tetapi sungguh berbaloi. Penyusunan acara rapi, jentera teratur dan sambutan rakyat memberansangkan.

Rakan-rakan di Johor menyaksikan anjakan positif memihak kepada KeADILan dan pembangkang.

Kita perlu mengajak rakan-rakan yang menginginkan pembaharuan dan KeADILan untuk segera mendaftar diri sebgai pekerja.

ANWAR IBRAHIM