Muslim lawyers: 'Crusade' out of the question

The Association of Muslim Lawyers Malaysia (PPMM) has rejected the warning by Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali of a 'crusade' of the purported plot to 'Christianise' Malaysia turned out to be true.

PPMM president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar (left) said while certain groups have always sought to question the position of Islam in the constitution and social fabric of the country, his organisation “stresses there is still room for dialogue, to improve (mutual) understanding and for court litigation” as avenues to tackle difficult issues.

Recounting the history of conflict and diplomacy in early Islam, Zainul Rijal said the exercise of force had always been the last resort by Islamic leaders.

“Declaring war is not an option to consider at this time. Such thinking will only increase sentiments of Islamophobia. Defending the Islamic religion has to be done judiciously, with coercion as the last avenue to be taken,” said the lawyer in a statement.

Ibrahim, who is also Independent MP for Pasir Mas in Kelantant, had caused outrage after he issued an ultimatum of sorts during a ceramah in Gombak to 'ungrateful Christians' if they went on with a purported plot to subvert the position of Islam as the official religion of the federation.

His allegation was based on a May 7 Utusan Malaysia report - itself citing two unsubstantiated postings by pro-Umno bloggers - that a meeting of pastors in Penang had deliberated on efforts to amend the constitution so as to enable the installation of a Christian prime minister and Christianise Muslim-majority Malaysia.

The pastors accused of being involved in the incident - as well as the DAP leader alleged to have participated in the purported deliberations - have since vehemently denied the claims.

Action has yet to be taken against those behind the allegations.

'Not mainstream Islam'

Expressing serious concern about the recent developments, Zainul Rijal said it is “very saddening” that feelings of tolerance had eroded to such levels as to lead Ibrahim to make such remarks.

“PPM stresses that the statement by the Perkasa president does not reflect the position of the mainstream Muslim community,” he said.

Zainul Rijal also urged Muslims to be tolerant given the present chaos, and non-Muslims must respect the position of Islam as the religion of the nation as stipulated in Article 3(1) of the federal constitution.

“The social contract that has long contained the recipe for peace in this country must be preserved to guarantee its future progress,” he added.

“PPMM does not support any launch of war against either non-Muslims or Muslims. Avail of the legal and political avenues present to solve the problems that have emerged. Everyone must abide by the laws in force and sanctity of the constitution.

There is no need to declare war against any group, even in the name of religion.”