The workshop tomorrow on women's rights issues has no hidden agenda and does not aim to challenge Islamic family laws, but is a platform for the discriminated to voice and discuss their issues, says its organiser Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower).

sisters in islam anti book banning book burning campaign 190808 maria chin abdullah The NGO was responding to criticisms by Muslim NGO Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Mapim) yesterday, who said that alleged the event promotes “Western” ideas that it claims are a threat to Islamic values

“The statement from Mapim shows immaturity, irrationality and a high level of intolerance for diverse opinions.

“Those who wish to advance issues and concerns related to women and human rights cannot be cowed by such intimidation and hate mongering,” said Empower executive director Maria Chin Abdullah ( above ) in a statement today.

“The workshop has no hidden agenda as viciously alleged by Mapim nor does it aim to challenge Islamic family laws.

“By holding this workshop, it is a positive step to ensure that opportunities are provided to those who face discrimination and inequalities,” she said.

Maria added that women’s problems exist and it was time that the public recognised these issues and concerns.

sri lanka refugees civilians 290109 01 She cited some of these issues that included unprotected labour rights for informal women workers, violence faced by refugee women, inability of laws to deal with differing sexual orientation, inability of civil laws to provide adequate solutions to women in marriage and divorce.

Yesterday Mapim condemned Empower’s attempts to discuss such issues on the grounds that discussion on rights issues related to women and the LGBT community potentially undermined Islam.

Mapim general-secretary Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid took the position of Islam in the federal constitution to mean that Islamic values should be “entrenched as the basis of all forms of thought that are advanced in the mainstream of our society”.

Muslim NGO concerns ‘unfounded’

Abdullah said that Mapim’s protests were reminiscent of the “hooligan-like action” with intimidation and threats that disrupted the Bar Council’s meeting last year.

staff of school for pregnant students malacca 3 “Any attempts to imitate such violent action runs contrary to the principles of Islam, a religion that promotes dialogue, tolerance and unity among people of all faiths,” she said.

Calling Mapim’s conclusions “unfounded”, Maria said Mohd Azmi had not even attempted to speak with the organisers of the workshop to find out more about the proceedings.

“(He) instead raised speculative and unreasonable accusations on the papers which have yet to be presented by the writers.”

Undaunted by Mapim’s objections to discussing gender and sexuality issues openly, she said Empower stood firm on gender equality as enshrined in the constitution. 

NONE “We would like to state that article 8(2) was amended to specifically defend women’s human rights and to end discrimination based on gender.”

She said Malaysia was “mature enough” to find workable solutions, even to religious issues, through peaceful dialogue.

“It is only through mature, open and rational dialogue do we grow together as a nation together,” she said.

Empower's full-day workshop ‘Gender Equality: Unaddressed Women's Rights Issues’ will be held tomorrow at the De Palma Seminar & Conference Centre, Menara PKNS in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

It will feature opening remarks by co-organiser Suhakam's  commissioner James Nayagam.