This so-called hudud initiative proposed for debate in Parliament raises some disturbing fundamental constitutional issues.
It also questions the core universal values of justice and compassion that were and should be Islam’s inspiration to the world.
Today, extremist groups have given Islam, instead of being celebrated as the religion of peace, a global image of intolerance, discrimination and violence.
Most sadly, it is fostering conflict even between Muslims, instead of enunciating our core values in the historical and infinite reality of oceans of diversity.
These extremists are only creating situations that imperialists and other evil elements are having a field day exploiting.
When will we ever learn?
Let’s respect the real Islamic fundamentals of “Ar-Rahman” and “Ar-Rahim”, justice and compassion, within the framework of the agreed constitutional basics and the beautifully crafted, meaningful and uniting Rukun Negara, a model for multicultural, multi-faith and multi-ethic communities worldwide.
That was Islam in its glorious days: caring, innovative and open, giving the world some of the greatest science and arts ever and progressive breakthroughs in gender equality and justice systems.
Let us as a nation also focus on good governance that urgently addresses at least four issues:
– fighting endemic corruption;
– deal seriously with the wanton crimes against the environment (the Cameron Highlands and bauxite mess are only the face of an eco-crisis);
– promoting economic growth with equity that reduces the great gap between the rich and the poor; and,
– waking up to serious health issues reflected by the massive increase in obesity.
Let’s get our priorities right.