Let democracy take care of our differences
- From: pluto <pluto@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 01:30:35 +0800
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/38361
Let democracy take care of our differences
Abu Mubarak
Jul 28, 05 1:55pm
Referring to the letter Are Malay-Muslim biologist deviants too? I must say
I am truly shocked.
How could a person who claims to be a true believer in modernity and the
freedom of faith be so intolerant of a difference in opinion? If Dr Syed
Alwi believes that he has the right to embrace his interpretation of Islam,
then he has to respect the right of others as well, including Mujahid Yusuf
Rawa and PAS, to embrace and preach their interpretation of Islam.
Any conflict which could be the result of this difference in interpretation
must then be resolved within the democratic space. It is purely wrong to
demonise PAS simply because the writer cannot agree with its interpretation
of Islam.
PAS is a political party. Its leaders have been in the public eye and
preaching what they believe in for more than half a century. Of course,
they understand there are those who would agree with them, and those who
would oppose them.
That is why PAS participates in every general election (despite the gross
injustices and uneven playing field) to give the people a choice. Is it
wrong for PAS or its leaders to preach their beliefs within the framework
of a democracy, fully abiding by the laws of the land?
If this is frightening to the writer, then he must reevaluate his
commitment towards democracy and human rights.
It is also interesting to note that while the participation of traditional
Islamists in the process of democratisation is on an increasing trend all
over the world, the so-called traditional advocates of democracy and
freedom of choice fail to appreciate this positive development, especially
among the Muslim nations.
The secular segments of society have been behaving in a rather more
orthodox manner as compared to their Islamist counterparts. This is
happening in countries like Algeria, Egypt, Turkey and some others.
In Malaysia, this also can be seen as in, for example, DAP?s total
rejection of PAS?s offer to cooperate. Of course, DAP and PAS are entitled
for their own opinions and principles. Both have the same right to preach
what they believe in politics.
But to believe that both are perfectly dichotomised in every aspect of
their political struggle does not make any sense. At the end of the day, in
a democratic society, every political party must concede to the will of the
majority.
As long as a party is peaceful and operating within the framework of
democracy, then cooperation should be sought at every opportunity.
Declaring a total rejection for cooperation does not go in tandem with the
dynamism of democracy.
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Are Malay-Muslim biologists deviants too?
01:22pm Mon Jul 25, 2005
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Dear Osama bin Laden...
01:43pm Fri Jul 15, 2005
cheers
pluto
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