Sisters in Islam has strongly protested against the resolution passed at the PAS 55th Muktamar calling "for a ban by the National Fatwa Council on the Sisters in Islam (SIS)”.

The motion also called for the National Fatwa Council to conduct a study over SIS' approach in its work to protect the rights of Muslim women, which PAS claims is confusing Islamic society and also infiltrating the minds of Muslims with its “liberal thinking”.

pas nik aziz speech 060609 audience PAS feels that this may destroy the Islamic faith, especially among the younger generation.

SIS says in a press release that the move taken by PAS leaders and members is retrogressive and anti-democratic.

It contravenes the right to freedom of expression under the Federal Constitution.

The group says the PAS resolution shows its intolerance and prejudice against SIS. The resolution was not debated by the members at the muktamar.

PAS intolerant of diverse views

SIS also stressed that this demonstrates the "arrogance and undemocratic practices" of the Islamic party and that it had forgotten the key reason why they did well at the 2008 general elections.

According to SIS, on March 8 last year, Malaysians voted against discrimination and undemocratic practices and now PAS' actions have defied the people's wishes.

It also showed up PAS' intolerance for diverse opinions and views and its action is typical of a totalitarian mindset that brooks "no dissent, different views, debate, or dialogue".

SIS reiterates that its work, for the past 20 years, is based on a belief that Islam is a religion that promotes justice and egalitarianism for all humankind.

The group strongly urge PAS to retract its resolution in the spirit of democracy and respect for diverstiy.