Penang to ban Islam Hadhari

Looks like Penang is following the footsteps of Selangor as it has decided to prohibit Islam Hadhari which is widely promoted by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

According to Malaysiakini:

Penang next to prohibit Islam Hadhari
Jun 9, 08 7:41pm
The Penang government is set to ‘prohibit’ the spread of Islam Hadhari (‘progressive’ Islam) and to become the second Pakatan Rakyat-led state government to do so after Selangor.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, when contacted today, confirmed that the Islam Hadhari concept would be discontinued in the state.

He said he had received advice from more than 20 religious experts and former muftis, who had “all agreed” with the stance.

An official announcement will be made either this weekend or by next week at the latest, he added.

Two weeks ago, Mohammad Fairus had said the state would imitate Selangor which, on May 26, had prohibited the spread of Islam Hadhari.

Mohammad Fairuz, who is Penanti state assembly representative, is the executive councillor for Islamic welfare.

He had earlier said the state’s action was not fueled by a political motive, but to “return to the true teachings of Islam”.

“The teachings of Islam are perfect as they are (as stated in the Quran). Therefore, there is no need for supplements,” he said on May 27.

Islam Hadhari was developed by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2004, soon after he stepped into power.

Selangor executive councillor for Islamic matters, Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali, in announcing the state’s decision at a press conference, had said that “the religion of Islam suffices” and that Islam Hadhari would no longer be promoted.

Elaborating later, he said: "We (the state government) will not promote Islam Hadhari in schools, during the Friday sermons and in religious programmes."

‘Don’t lose focus’

Responding today to the Selangor decision, Youth activist group Jalan Telawi Arts Community (KsJT) described the state government has having gone off-tangent.

“We are confident that the people want the Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Perak governments to defend (the interests of) small businessmen, single mothers and graduates, and not get tangled up with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN),” said spokesperson Hasmi Hashim.

“At a time where people are concerned about their livelihood, the move to prohibit Islam Hadhari may be seen as diverting from important issues that burden the rakyat.”

Hasmi, who is PKR Parit Sulong branch leader, elaborated that the reformasi struggles in 1998 must be remembered, even as the Pakatan-led governments mark their first 100 days in office tomorrow.

“We are concerned that these governments will be seen as being authoritarian, just like the BN government,” he added in a statement today.

Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin recently suggested that those who reject the concept of Islam Hadhari should review their stand objectively.

“Islam Hadhari may confuse many but there is good in it. The contents have not been obvious as it is only the branding that has been spoken about a lot,” he said.

Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria was reported as saying that it is not fair to prohibit related programmes.

"I think we have to fully understand the concept before taking any action. What I understand from my discussion with the prime minister previously is that the concept fulfills the cause of Islam,” he added.