Come Sunday, Johor Baru looks set to be the stage for a lively debate on 'Liberal Islam'. Organised by PAS Johor, the panel will consist of a politician, a controversial columnist, a non-governmental organisation representative and an academician.

PAS Johor information chief Zulkfili Ahmad said he is confident that members of the panel invited will be able to provide thought-provoking arguments on the issue based on "facts and proper justifications".

He said PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa ( photo ), Utusan Malaysia columnist Astora Jabat, former lecturer Nazri Chik and Sisters In Islam (SIS) programme officer Norhayati Kaprawi have confirmed their attendance.

"We organised the discussion with the hope to give some explanation to Malaysians on liberal Islam which currently is a very hot topic among Muslims in the country," he said when contacted.

"We also hope to discuss the efforts at the international level to promote the concept of liberal Islam as seen in New York where Dr Amina Wadud headed a congregational prayer of men and women and its affect on Malaysians," he added.

Recent developments

He said the speakers are expected to discuss whether the promotion of liberal Islam, the Muslim community's responsibility in encouraging amar ma'aruf nahi mungkar (do good and avoid sins) will soon cease its role.

The speakers will also discuss if recent developments in the country shows that Malaysia is inclining towards the concept if liberal Islam as promoted at the international level.

"Incidents like the proposal of the establishment of an Inter-Religious Council , criticisms against moral policing and the call for separation of religion in school syllabus by ministers like Dr Lim Keng Yaik ( photo ) are signs that we are moving towards there," he said.

Apart from this, Zulkifli hoped that SIS will not only express their view on the subject but also explain if the memorandum against anti-moral policing it signed with 49 other non-governmental organisations and 200 individuals is proof to its inclination towards Islam Liberal.

He assures that the four speakers will be able to conduct themselves professionally.

"I will be chairing the discussion myself and I will ensure that all the discussion will be conducted in a professional manner and all arguments would be based on facts and justifications instead of personal sentiment and emotions."

"The discussion is divided into three sessions. In the first session, I will pose questions to each speaker who will take turns to express their views. The second sessions will be a question-and-answer session with members of the floor and the final session would be the speakers' conclusion on the issue."

He stressed that PAS Johor will not issue a general conclusion on the issue but rather allow those who participate in the discussion to make their own conclusion on the controversial issue.