Think tank to launch US academic’s book, refutes 'liberal' claims

Think tank Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) will proceed with its plans to co-host a book launch on Monday featuring US-based academic Ahmet T Kuru, after the withdrawal of its original partner from the Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia.

When contacted, IRF founder Dr Farouk Musa confirmed that the Malay translation of Kuru’s book “Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment: A Global and Historical Comparison” will be launched at the University of Nottingham Malaysia campus in Kuala Lumpur.

Taking to X, Kuru, the director of Islamic and Arabic studies at the San Diego State University, yesterday claimed IAIS’ withdrawal as co-host was linked to “pressures by conservatives and (the) Turkish ambassador".

Kuru also alluded to online attacks made against him based on IAIS' Facebook post promoting the initial launch, accusing him of being a "liberal" Muslim and promoting values that go against Malaysia's pre-dominant Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jamaah teachings.

"It is very unfortunate that the book launch (with IAIS) was cancelled at the last minute after months of preparation," Farouk (above) told Malaysiakini.

“We deeply regret that IAIS, the intellectual arm of the Madani government, has capitulated to anti-intellectual and authoritarian pressures.

"Before we reject any idea, we should understand it well first, and what better way than to give the author a chance to expound it in the public sphere so that we can then judge its merits and demerits?

"If we want to change people’s mindset for the better, we should start by promoting rather than inhibiting an intellectual culture,” he added.

‘It’s about being mature’

Meanwhile, University of Nottingham Malaysia academic Zaharom Nain said he was approached by IRF on Friday and immediately agreed to host the book launch for academic reasons.

"I hear there are some who are unhappy with Kuru's work.

“If so, perhaps it's best to engage with him and his work professionally, academically instead of casting aspersions on him and his ideological stand and hurling baseless and unproven accusations at him,” said Zaharom.

“It is about being mature and not acting like members of an uncivilised mob of Neanderthals, I guess.”

When contacted, IAIS Malaysia CEO Dr Syed Azman Syed Nawawi confirmed the withdrawal but declined comments on claims of external pressures behind the decision.

The programme, initially co-hosted by IAIS, was scheduled to feature a speech by its chairperson Maszlee Malik, launch by Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, as well as a panel discussion with academicians Sharifah Munirah Alatas and Khairudin Aljunied.

The new line-up will now feature Zaharom's welcoming address and officiating the launch, followed by Kuru’s presentation of his book and a panel discussion with Farouk, International Islamic University Malaysia assistant professor Fadzilah Din, as well as International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation associate professor Isham Pawan Ahmad.

Sim: Everyone should read new book about Malaysiakini

BOOK REVIEW | Sang Kancil - a rare book of hope and deliverance

Fixi Lingo: New imprint translates local novels into BM

Benz Ali urges industry partners to rally against controversial PPPA