Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz reiterated Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement that Malaysia was an Islamic state .

Replying to a query from Hasni Mohammad (BN-Pontian) in Dewan Rakyat today, Nazri explained that he had to reinforce the statement because "the opposition has been raising the issue of social contract since the general election is just around the corner".

"Although the prime minister has said many times that Malaysia is neither a secular nor a theocratic country, the opposition seems to be not satisfied with the clarification," he said.

Nazri (BN-Padang Renggas) explained that Malaysia was neither a secular nor a theocratic state, but it was an Islamic state administrated based on the principles of Islam Hadhari.

"Islam Hadhari is a guideline for the government to be fair and equitable to all communities in the country," he said, adding that however Islam Hadhari did not imply that Malaysia was a theocratic state.

Nazri, who explained that the uniqueness of Islam Hadhari formula has been proven in its success, said: "The government allowed voices of all communities to be heard. However, the government would not hesitate to take action against those who abuse the freedom."

Hasni then asked Nazri if he agreed that the younger generation in the country did not understand the social contract and its content.

"Just because they don't understand what social contract is, some parties try to confuse them. Some even suggest the formation of an interfaith council," said Hasni.

Consistent answers

Agreeing, Nazri said: "They either do not understand what social contract is or they do not have adequate knowledge in history."

"Furthermore, they are also confused by the opposition parties which try to break our unity," he said.

"We don't want some parties to break the unity we've tried so hard to build by raising issues that can have contradictory views and cause tension in the society," said the minister.

Nazri also attacked Abdul Fatah Harun (PAS-Rantau Panjang) who told Nazri to give a consistent answer in the Dewan Rakyat.

"I am very sure that the response given by you just now was carefully planned to avoid unwanted incidents in the country," said Abdul Fatah.

"However, could you provide us with a more consistent answer?" he asked, adding that the government ministers gave one answer to the Muslim citizens and another to the non-Muslim citizens.

Responding, Nazri said: "Do not ever question the answers given by the government. Every answer is consistent with one another."