From eureka street
By Peter Kirkwood
This interview with controversial Malaysian Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim, continues the series recorded for Eureka Street at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Melbourne at the beginning of December 2009.
He speaks about the urgency of interreligious dialogue, how to deal with religious and cultural pluralism, the need for frank discussion and debate amongst Muslims, and the true meaning of sharia, of Islamic law.
The recent spate of fire-bombings of Christian churches in Malaysia highlights the need to promote dialogue and understanding between religious groups. In a recent press statement, Anwar denounced the actions of militant Muslims, saying he was ‘outraged by the tragic attacks on our Christian brothers and sisters’.
He reminded Muslims of the teaching in the 29th Chapter of the Quran: ‘And dispute not with the People of the Book but say, ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and that which came down to you … our God and your God is one’.’
62 year old Anwar showed leadership from an early age. At university, he was president of the Muslim students’ organisation. After graduating he was one of the founders, and the second president, of a leading Islamic youth organisation called Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia.
In 1982 the charismatic Anwar entered politics, and was taken under the wing of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He rose rapidly through the ranks, and held several ministries before becoming Deputy Prime Minister in 1993. But tensions grew between him and Mahathir as Anwar spoke out against nepotism and cronyism within the government, and they had differences of opinion over economic management.
In 1998 he was ousted from the government, and in 1999 was convicted of corruption and sentenced to six years in prison. In 2000 he was sentenced to another nine years for sodomy. In 2004 the Federal Court of Malaysia quashed the sodomy charges and he was released from gaol.
In 2008, he stood as a candidate in a by-election in the Malaysian seat of Permatang Pauh. He won with a landslide, re-entered parliament, and became Opposition Leader. Shortly after, fresh allegations of sodomy led to further charges which are now before the courts. Anwar denies all the charges against him, saying they were trumped up by political opponents.
In December 2009 Anwar was named by influential US magazine, Foreign Policy, as one of its Top 100 Global Thinkers. It says he has ‘a bold message for change in a country now at the forefront of the struggle for democracy in the Muslim world. Today, Anwar’s career is blossoming, despite a new, politically motivated indictment. Abroad, he has become an outspoken advocate of religious tolerance.’
FOR INJUSTICE>RAMPANT CORRUPTION>ABUSE OF POWER>OPPRESSION>COVER-UP AND CONSPIRACY>FINANCIAL SCANDAL>RACE BASED POLITICS>MISGOVERNMENT>ANTI-RULE OF LAW
LETS VOTE UMNO-BN
FOR THE SAKE OF UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION>RULE OF LAW>GOOD BEHAVIOUR AND MORALITY >ACCOUNTABILITY>TRANSPARENCY>GOOD GOVERNANCE AND INTEGRITY>ANTI CORRUPTION
LETS VOTE PAKATAN RAKYAT NEXT ELECTION
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As long as world religious leaders and politicians can sit down and discuss openly interpretations of religious laws..the world is a better place to live in.
Unfortunately…politicians are holding the upper hands….and they will use religions and race to control States.
Malaysia is a classic example…where Islamic religion is used by UMNO BARU…to win votes and stay in power…and if we observe carefully….UMNO BARU applies Islamic religion…to be dictators…exactly like few hundred years ago..done by Europeans to control minds and people.
2500 years ago..a Prince saw how Maharajahs and their religious advisers….separated people….and HE started to promote truths to free minds.
Now “truths” can also be twisted by telling half truths…by politicians and even by so call religious leaders..for selfish reasons.
When ever religions are being distorted….you can be sure.. dictators are governing that country.
These forums or discussions should open the minds and eyes of the worlds people…to know…all religions teaches good and should not contradict each other…..even though words written in holy books may not be agreeable to another religion.
There are reasons why one ask followers to forgive and be humble…while another…encourages followers to take up arms and protect their religion with their lives….therefore showing Christianity is more forgiving….while Islam seems to love wars to settle things.
Totally not true at all…and the said Forum is good for all to learn from the wise men.
Most believers do not care …as things have changed now…and Muslims actually stop talking wars…and are such peaceful loving people…from the day…Mohammad won the city of Mecca…..yet you still have evil politicians like Mahathir…keep using Islamic religion…to control people in Malaysia.
There many dictators all over the world…from Christian and Islamic countries.
I am sure…at the Forum…all are explained…and therefore greater understandings and tolerance should prevail.
If the world populations love TRUTHS PEACE and HARMONY…sincerely…we should have world peace and unity always…..preparing ourselves to be shocked…that we are not alone in the Universe…very soon…..and we so backwards compared to so call Aliens.
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Salam,
Dato Seri selalu bicara dan kerap mengiklankan Maqasid al-Syariah iaitu Matlamat Tertinggi Hukum Syariah itu sekarang. Antara Muslim sendiri masih pening dengan Maqasid Syariah yang belum pernah terdengar di kalangan rakyat biasa kerana apa yang ditekankan dari dahulu, ilmu Fiqah, ilmu halal haram sahaja, bukan menjawab soalan mengapa Fiqah itu penting? Apa tujuan Fiqah itu? Apa tujuan hukum Islam itu?
Saya berpendapat, apabila kita tahu matlamat syariah itu, maka mudah bagi kita mempersiapkan masyarakat tentang hukum Syariah. Sebelum melaksanakan Hukum Syariah, kita mesti punya pemahaman menyeluruh terlebih dulu, pendidikan atau tarbiah yang penuh strategik. Biarkan masyarakat ini bersebati dengan matlamat ini sehingga meronta-ronta memintakan Hukum Syariah.
Saya faham maksud Dato Seri, iaitu kita mesti mempersiapkan masyarakat itu, memahami keperluan Hukum Syariah terlebih dulu. Dalam keadaan sekarang, sesama Muslim masih belum faham dan ada Muslim yang menentang Hukum Syariah, menampakkan ada kekurangan dari sudut pendidikan dan penerangan tentang Hukum Syariah.
The most important thing is the substance of Islam, not the form.
Ikhlas,
YASIR TAMIZI
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Hidup Anwar!! Reformasi..
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Your english is much better than some of UMNO, who apparently “changed his mode”. LOL
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