The sentence or phrase in an article that appeared in the Malaysian Bar's official publication Infoline allegedly insulting Islam and Muslims "has been completely taken out of context", the Bar Council explained today.

Standing firm by the article on individual rights that was published in the May/June issue of Infoline , its chairperson Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari said there was nothing wrong with the article "if read in its proper context".

In a statement, he said that it was clear that writer Yang Pei Keng was merely "developing an argument for mutual understanding and tolerance" using the illustration of the broadcast of a religious rite.

Referring to the article, he said this had not become an issue among Malaysians "precisely because of the exercise of religious understanding" although some may perceive it differently.

An excerpt from the article reads: "...this has never been an issue so far, simply because the non-Muslim community recognises the Muslim community's right to freedom of religion."

Citing this, Kuthubul said the writer's words made the point very obvious and the message that can be derived from the article is one of moderation and understanding.

Tolerant approach

He said it was quite clear that the writer did not intend to cause any insult to any religious practice.

"Indeed, the central theme of the article is not on religion but on a call for the adoption of a moderate and tolerant approach by the relevant authorities in regulating people's activities," he said.

"It is most unfortunate that the writer has been misunderstood, and his message misconstrued."

He reiterated the Bar Council's stand to remain committed to the promotion of fundamental rights such as the freedom of speech, religion and association.

"The Bar has only been known to support these rights without fear or favour, and certainly not to belittle any religion (as has been misguidedly alleged)," he added.

"It is regrettable that some have chosen to isolate and highlight a couple of sentences in the article so as to portray it in a distorted manner to the public."

Contacted later, Kuthubul said this was the last statement he will make on the issue because "there is nothing wrong with it".

"Those who read the article in full will understand the context within which the writer had argued his points."

On Wednesday, Shah Alam Umno division committee member Mohd Azhar Othman lodged a police report over excerpts of the one-page article on grounds that it insulted Islam by describing the Muslim call for prayer or azan as noise pollution and a nuisance to local residents.

Contributions open to all

Yesterday, the division's community service center chairperson Ahmad Sharizal Jimin demanded a written apology from the Bar Council in order to drop the matter.

The Bar Council's immediate response was to defend the article as free speech and to welcome criticism in the same spirit, explaining that contributions to Infoline were open to anyone.

Earlier today, Mohd Azhar, accompanied by Ahmad Sharizal and about 10 Umno members, were at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur at about 10.30am to record their statement.

Speaking to reporters at the station, Ahmad Sharizal, a lawyer, repeated his demand for a written apology from the Bar Council and the writer before considering to drop the matter.

In an accompanying press statement, he said the division rejected the Bar Council's explanation in defense of the article.

"We are of the view that the publication of the article may have violated the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. We urge the authorities to probe into the matter," he said.

Contacted later, Ahmad Sharizal insisted that the writer should identify himself as to whether or not he was a member of the 11,000-strong Bar.

Yang, a Johor-based lawyer, declined to comment today.