Anwar Ibrahim’s struggle for liberalism and pluralism has emboldened non-Muslims in Malaysia, lamented Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.

 

In an article published on Ismaweb yesterday, he said DAP would be especially affected if the opposition leader landed in jail.

 

“Themes of freedom and equality have given room to chauvinists and the ultra-kiasu to make extreme and irrational demands.

 

“Similarly with pluralism and human rights, it has given space to Christian, Jewish and evangelists’ agendas to develop deviant practices, the ‘Christianisation’ movement and anti-religious activities in Malaysia,” he added.

 

Furthermore, Abdullah said without Anwar, who is an icon of liberal Islam or generally viewed as a moderate Muslim, Islamic liberal groups which support the “DAP evangelists” would also be affected.

 

The Isma leader, who has been charged under the Sedition Act for describing the Chinese as trespassers in Malaysia, was responding to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

 

The latter had argued that Pakatan Rakyat’s survival does not depend on Anwar but rather on the three component parties - PKR, DAP and PAS - being firm in their pledges and commitment.

 

The Federal Court has yesterday deferred its judgment on Anwar’s appeal against his sodomy conviction and five-year prison sentence.

 

Should the apex court uphold the Court of Appeal’s decision, the prosecution intends to seek a heavier jail term.

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