JULY 28 ― In the midst of the country reeling from the tragedy of MH17 and still struggling to understand the loss of MH370, the president of the Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman decided that this was the time to issue a call to stop the country from becoming a “liberal democratic” country. His reasoning? That this is all a plot by the so-called global Zionist movement. Evidence? None presented and none expected because it’s so tedious having to prove something.

Rather than rallying people in solidarity and support for the families of the passengers and crew who died, victims of a senseless war crime, this organisation (I really dislike the use of the description “Islamist group” because these guys give Islam a bad name and don’t speak for Muslims or Islam anyway) decided to focus on this. Because that is what Isma perceives to be important for us here in Malaysia. It couldn’t be more wrong.

For some strange reason, Isma finds not only the concept “liberal” as offensive but “democracy” too. Liberalism, the philosophy founded on liberty and equality, has been considered as a Satanic agenda because they believe that there is no such thing as equality. Democracy, which allows for equal participation of all citizens, is also considered a major obstacle and a method to colonise Muslim countries.

Last I checked, the words “liberal” and “democracy” were embedded into our Rukun Negara. The very same Rukun Negara which since August 31, 1970, has been familiar to every school child since it is printed on exercise books, recited every Monday morning and proudly proclaimed during Merdeka celebrations by students in blazers. The Rukun Negara developed from the tragic lessons of May 13,1969.

Perhaps, Abdullah Zaik missed the class discussing the Rukun Negara and needs a refresher? Here it is in Bahasa Malaysia. It’s not very long.

Bahawasanya Negara Kita Malaysia mendukung cita-cita hendak:

·         mencapai perpaduan yang lebih erat di kalangan seluruh masyarakatnya;

·         memelihara satu cara hidup demokratik;

·         mencipta satu masyarakat adil di mana kemakmuran Negara akan dapat dinikmati bersama secara adil dan saksama;

·         menjamin satu cara liberal terhadap tradisi-tradisi kebudayaannya yang kaya dan berbagai corak; dan

·         membina satu masyarakat progresif yang akan menggunakan sains dan teknologi moden.

Maka Kami, rakyat Malaysia, berikrar akan menumpukan seluruh tenaga dan usaha kami untuk mencapai cita-cita tersebut berdasarkan atas prinsip-prinsip yang berikut:

·         Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan;

·         Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara;

·         Keluhuran Perlembagaan;

·         Kedaulatan Undang-undang;

·         Kesopanan dan kesusilaan

In fact, the Rukun Negara clearly states the preservation of a democratic way of life and ensures a liberal approach towards diversity.  So why is Isma promoting something which is against the Rukun Negara?

Isma spends more of its time, energy and funding (oh, where does it get its funding from? Taxpayers' money?) creating mistrust, division, bigotry, hate and fear amongst Malaysians, especially the Malay Muslim community, rather than emphasising understanding, harmony, religious tolerance and unity. I wouldn’t care so much except that it is promoting this to all and sundry. Some of this ideology has even made it through to the policies of some government agencies.

Isma’s hard-line ideology demonises concepts like humanism, liberalism, human rights, pluralism, feminism, secularism and many other “isms” which ironically enough, actually form a part of Islam’s rich and diverse history.

By the way, Ibn Sina, one of the Islamic world’s greatest scholars, doctors and philosophers, was in fact not only a humanist and considered to be the “father of modern medicine” but he has also been deemed “the father of humanism.” Don’t take my word for it. Check with Dr. Google.

If a liberal democratic country means that Malaysia can be a united nation, with a confident society, infused by strong moral and ethical values, living in a society that is democratic, liberal and tolerant, caring, economically just and equitable, progressive and prosperous, and in full possession of an economy that is competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient.

If a liberal democratic country means that the nation will have a sense of common and shared destiny. A nation at peace with itself, territorially and ethnically integrated, living in harmony and full and fair partnership, made up of one “Bangsa Malaysia” with political loyalty and dedication to the nation.

If a liberal democratic country, means a mature democratic society, practising a form of mature consensual, community-oriented Malaysian democracy that can be a model for many developing countries.

Then I say YES to a liberal and democratic country.

By the way, if any of the above seems familiar, it is because it comes from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s paper on Vision 2020 ― The Way Forward to the Malaysian Business Council in 1991.

Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir dan Batin!

*This is the personal opinion of the columnist.