PM: Islam & the Constitution

PM: Umno will reject narrow views of Islam

This is by far the most sensible speech he has ever made!

Prime Minister and UMNO President Abdullah Badawi said, "Umno rejects the narrow interpretation of Islam and opposes a political culture that can disrupt the daily lives and commercial affairs of the umma (congregation), and UMNO would not apologise for doing so.

“Umno believes that Islam will not grow, nor will it be respected if it is confined to rituals. If we fight Islam, armed only with slogans and rhetoric, we will not achieve excellence.”

“The application of Islam through the prism of shallow minds and narrow interpretations can cause discomfort to non-Muslims as well as Muslims themselves. Overzealous enforcement can give Islam a negative image,” he added.

The PM expressed his concern that the failure to understand the needs of adherents of other religions and denying them their rights run counter to the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

With this in mind, calls to return to the spirit of the Federal Constitution should be viewed in a positive light, interpreted with wisdom and without prejudice.

“The Constitution must be viewed as a whole, and selected clauses cannot be interpreted in isolation or out of context,” Abdullah said.

As for the aspirations of the nation, Abdullah said that a country that celebrates 50 years of independence must be populated with a free people, a people who have belief and confidence in their future.

“Its people must shoulder the responsibility of defending its freedom; a people who live in harmony between communities and religions; a people who are broad minded and big hearted,” he said.

I have nothing to add. The PM said it all. I hope he believes in it in absoluteness and will apply the principles diligently.

Point Number 1:
Denying any people of any rights runs counter to the spirit of the Constitution, the PM acknowledge.

Point Number 2:

The Rakyat must shoulder the responsibility of defending its freedom, the Constitutional rights, not any dubious rights or privileges that is ultra vires the Constitution.

Point Number 3:

The nation must be populated with a free people, a people who has belief and confidence in their future - Free means, free of malaise, free of discrimination among all races, free from abuse or coercion, free to speak and express within the confines of the constitution, free to express dissents and free to oppose oppression and corruption. Free must mean individuated rights and Liberties, the absolute presence of a judicial system that ensures Justice is not only said but seen to be done, and free must mean the rules and policies ensures the citizens are treated equally, without prejudice, without discrimination, and the absence of marginalization of any race. Free must mean the minorities are protected by the judiciary, the executives and the legislature.

Is this another rhetoric in anticipation of a general election or did he understand what he says?

Reaction to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s presidential address at the Umno general assembly on Wednesday

Umno Youth exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir

“I thought it was wonderful. It covered a large spectrum of issues that we find dear to us at this particular moment when we are approaching the elections,” said Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Umno Youth exco member Datuk Reezal Merican Naina Merican
The Malays need to build up their confidence by getting out of a mindset that has turned poisonous. “The poison has weakened them." “But it is also not just about the Malays - for the success of the country depends on all races,” he said.

Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin

“The Prime Minister has shown everyone a clear path - that leadership of this county depended on a multi-racial dimension. But no matter what, sensitivity must be exercised.” Zainuddin added Umno had never changed its “colours” unlike certain component parties which had at times “sung the same song” along with the Opposition when it came to racial issues.

Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
“Barisan Nasional upholds fair principles. This ensures those who take advantage and provoke racial sentiments will fail.

PBS president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan
“These assurances and commitment are the clearest so far coming from our national leaders. It is very significant to know that these assurances and commitment are supported and underlined by the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings.