Amid declarations that some demonstrations were haram (forbidden), prominent religious scholar Azhar Idrus weighed into the debate, saying that they were not, so long as they abided by Islamic principles and did not bring harm.

"(Demonstrations) are conditional, they must not be intended to create discord, not intended to destroy a country or create havoc in the economic system, not intended to threatened national security - if it is only to march, then no ulama can declare it haram ," he told a forum in Kampung Baru last night.

NONE "Demonstrations are just to attract attention (because) if the issues are left unattended, more people will be harmed by it," he added.

Likewise, Azhar said this also applied to 'inciting' people to do something, so long as the intention was good.

He gave an example that people could 'incite' to change an imam if the imam led prayers in the wrong manner.

"Inciting is haram if it leads towards destruction... But inviting people to change, it is not wrong if the change is for the better," he said.

The National Fatwa Council had in May last year declared it was haram for Muslims to participate in protests that were "unproductive, against the law, or caused disturbance in the country".

Azhar, formerly the lead guitarist of pop rock group Iklim, is a popular speaker on Islam with a significant following in the country.

NONE Other speakers at the forum entitled ‘Arts for change night' include artistes Hairie Othman ( right ) and Meor Yusuf Aziddin as well as student activists Adam Adli.

The programme kicked off with songs by several artists, including from Ito of Blues Gang and Yassin who sang a song entitled ‘Reformasi' (Reform).

The event also saw popular rock metal singer Tajol Ismi Akhbar announcing his entry into PAS as well as a brief ceramah by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu.