Y OURSAY 'If Mapim disagrees, perhaps it should ask to join the panel and contribute thoughtful arguments rather than lash out like religious barbarians.'

Muslim NGO bares fangs over gender rights forum

Not Confused: I respect the right of this Muslim NGO to voice its opinions, but please, join in the forum and debate your side of the issue, not issue threats and try your best to stifle any attempts for public discussion.

It just shows that your intellectual abilities are not up to the job of defending your position, and must hide behind outdated ideas.

Geronimo: Yes, this group instead of shouting from the mountain top should actually join the forum to have its voice heard. But then again, when did these people ever want to engage in a meaningful discourse when their heads are void of substance.

Even the PM himself avoids public debates on national issues. So the only way to demonstrate their displeasure is to use threats. Why cite Eastern countries when they have moved so far ahead of us, for example, Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan?

Mapim (Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia) general-secretary Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, remember this about Adam and Eve, "Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him."

Milosevic: I know it is a waste of time arguing with ignorant people, but let me try. History will show that to fossilise law whether based on religion or secularism will not strengthen, but weaken morality and a healthy society.

This danger presents itself whether in pushing for original intent or unchanging divine syariah. You cannot hide behind Eastern/Asian/Islamic values in advocating your position as though they are self-evident.

Any serious investigation of religion, including Islam, will throw open more questions than answers. ‘Answers' are invariably imposed by intimidation. They cannot be justified by rational scrutiny.

Mapim and Mohd Azmi, are terrified by open discussion - and ultimately any knowledge society - because they cannot defend their narrow, coercive views in an open forum.

Shame on them for being cowards. Don't fool us by positing Western and Asian perspectives. Have the guts and decency to keep your religion to yourself.

KLeo: It's a gender forum for goodness' sake. If Mapim disagrees, perhaps it should ask to join the panel and contribute thoughtful arguments rather than lash out like religious barbarians.

DannyLoHH: By "baring their fangs", Mapim is showing that they are very insecure about their own Islamic beliefs. They have such little faith about their Islamic family law that they are scared of people talking about gender equality in a forum.

Their acts also show that perhaps they lack the intellectual capabilities to present their version of ‘Islamic values' in an open forum, hence, they feel the need to clamp down on a forum that seeks to hold discussions.

Sabahan: This NGO is a liability to our nation and to Islam.

Hanyayangbenar: As a Muslim, I don't see any wrong whatsoever to just sit down and have meaningful discussion on those issues to present the Muslim side of understanding and argument over issues pertaining to gender rights and Islamic family laws.

It's an ideal forum to learn new perspectives and correct any misconceptions between different groups of various interests. There would not be any harm from participating in it.

Solaris: If it is the western influence that Mapim is concerned about then they should not be sending their children to study in the US, get a Western degree and cry foul about the West.

Simon Lee 3ed5 : Strange that these poor souls did not protest at all against the Obedience Wives Club. It is the duty and responsibility of man to ensure the weaker sex is protected at all times under any circumstances.

Allah made woman equal to man and no man-made laws shall negate God's law and the universal law of human rights enshrined under the charters of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Empower's forum has nothing to do with any religious law. Women are not sex slaves. Women have the same right to vote or drive a car.

A filial daughter who sacrifices and contributes her hard-earned money to provide for her parents has absolute right to the inheritance over a useless son with three wives who doesn't provide for his parents.

The rich, corrupt and powerful men who own beer factories and produce tons of beer and make millions are greater sinners and should be flogged, rather than to cane and humiliate a poor Muslim woman who drinks a glass of beer.

Dood: The last time I checked, the dark ages were over.

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