Exhibition on world religions called off. Another victory for radicals!
theSun carried a report today that an exhibition on world religions, universal peace and global peace in Kuala Lumpur was called off as one off the displays was deemed sensitive.
The exhibition organized by Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) which had been displayed at the UN headquarters was supposed to take place on the sidelines of the four-day meeting hosted by the think-tank Institute Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).
KAF representative Peter Schier said ISIS asked them to scrap the exhibition.
He said that he was told the exhibition was “sensitive” and that ISIS feared it would be criticized by radical Muslims or the government for allowing the exhibition.
Peter Schier said, “I explained that this is not something sensitive but was to overcome prejudices and promote peace within different cultures and religions.”
In response, ISIS director-general Datuk Mohd Jawhar Hassan said: “We must be very sensitive to the environment we are operating in. We don’t want to take the risk of embarrassing incidents happening at an international event,” (He was referring to an Article 11 forum which ended abruptly after a demonstration in Penang last month).
I blogged, after the Article 11 demonstration, that our space for discussion had been hijacked by radicals. But this time, ISIS is hijacking this space by default because of their fear of a radical demonstration.
This time, even a quasi-government organization is facing a seized mentality and it would make radicals most happy.
For KAF, this is not the first time they are running into troubles. Earlier last month, a cultural and religious awareness programme they initiated in Penang’s Streets of Harmony was abruptly called off by the State Education Department.
The Department said the programme was called off because the organizer did not seek the prior approval of the Department.
I questioned the decision and said the programme was called off because of objections from Islamists.
The State Education Department did not respond. I then requested Phee Boon Poh, DAP Assemblyman for Sungei Puyu to raise the matter in the Penang State Legislative Assembly late last month.
The Umno Assemblyman for Permatang Berangan Shabudin bin Yahaya, who happens to be the President of the Penang State Islamic Council, interjected to say that the contents of the integration programme included materials that are sensitive and unacceptable to Muslims.
That is the reason why another KAF programme is stopped. Again this is a victory for those who see universal values and inter-religious dialogue as a threat to the purity of their religion.
Mr Chow, although I resent your last sentence (”Again this is a victory for those who see universal values and inter-religious dialogue as a threat to the purity of their religion.”), I accept it as a biased statement, coming from someone who is not a Muslim.
There are “religions” which allow freedom onto their followers to keep their faith updated to the current trends and conditions. That is why in places like the US, they have things like gay churches, gay marriages, female cardinals and stuff.
Islam on the other hand, is already “current” in its fundamental nature - the requirements within Islam is not period-sensitive. What was practised during the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) days, are still valid till today. Most importantly, Muslims (and I mean the practising ones) accept them as Allah intended it to be. So, there is really no need to have forums to interweave Islam with other religions. That is because, without raising the issue of religions, people of different faiths seem to be able to accept one another.
For example, we in Malaysia are of different ethnic background and religions. We play together at school, we eat together during outings, and we visit each other come festival times. Aren’t we mixing well enough? Tensions only surface when religion and race are brought into the picture. I have plenty of friends of different race, religion and nationality. We mix very well in the office. In fact, I love this bunch very much to the point I can’t wait to see them in the morning. All is well, as long as we do not talk about religion and race. And do we need to? Do we need to compare religions? It is good to share, but stop at that. Do not compare, or make others accept something they are not willing to. When disputes arise regarding race and religion, they become a basis for hatred.
So this “exhibition on world religions, universal peace and global peace” is really NOT necessary. You think the Muslims do not respect other religions to the point you need to organise some exhibition to do some PR spinning?
I think the authorities were right in not allowing such events because it does make the Muslims look stupid and barbaric that they need to be educated in accepting and harmonizing with other religions. Really, it is not necessary. The Muslims respect other religions enough. Likewise, would a Christian attend an Islamic civilisation exhibition, aimed at educating the non-Muslims about Islam? I have attended such events (many many times!) but sadly, only the Malays are seen there. So, you (non-Muslims) not interested in ISlam, but want the Muslims to be interested in your religion????? Think about it.
Comment by pemerhati_msia — Friday, 09-06-2006 @ 12: 25.34
pemerhati_msia says: …would a Christian attend an Islamic civilisation exhibition, aimed at educating the non-Muslims about Islam? I have attended such events (many many times!) but sadly, only the Malays are seen there.
At least Muslims have a chance to hold such exhibitions and can even open it for on-Muslims to visit. People of other religions can’t say the same.
pemerhati_msia says: So, you (non-Muslims) not interested in ISlam, but want the Muslims to be interested in your religion????? Think about it.
I think this applies more to Islam than any other religion in this country.
Comment by rasah — Tuesday, 27-06-2006 @ 11: 25.22