PUM disheartened over criticism, claims its memo was misunderstood

comments     Michelle Lee     Published     Updated

The Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia (PUM) today voiced its dismay over the criticism it has been receiving recently, saying it is disheartening when scholars of Islam together with the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) make prejudicial accusations against the ulama , mufti and the association itself.

Joining other civil society groups, Hakam yesterday criticised PUM for attempting to use the law to criminalise differences of opinion in Islam.

However, PUM secretary-general Ishak Sulaiman said such allegation is unfounded.

If PUMs memorandum had been examined more thoroughly and aired in full by the mainstream newspapers, the matter would not have reached the stage it has now, to the point of involving Hakam, he said in a press statement today.

The memorandum sent early this month had accused Sisters in Islam executive director Zainah Anwar, malaysiakini and New Straits Times columnist Dr Farish A Noor, The Sun columnist Akbar Ali, academic Kassim Ahmad, lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar and Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Patricia Martinez of disparaging Islam in their writings.

Not seeking confrontation

Ishak said, We are not seeking a confrontation nor do we want to engage in a long-running polemic with any of the relevant parties.

On the contrary, we desire to work together with parties like Hakam in the bid to preserve the purity of Islam.

He also expressed PUMs endorsement of dialogues, symposiums and the like which genuinely flowed from the pure form of Islam, as these were the objectives of PUM, too.

We had previously suggested that an official forum be held by authoritative parties well-versed in the interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah as many make those (interpretations) which stray from the aim of the provisions [prescribed in the Quran].

When we tried to address the issues (concerning the ulama ) referred to in the memorandum, we were accused of breaching fundamental human rights and of being unable to accept other opinions.

Should they not be regarded as issues affecting the Muslim community as a whole? Ishak asked, adding that Muslims should take a clearer stand on them.



Malaysiakini
news and views that matter


Sign In