Implement Islamic laws with moderation: Anwar

Implement Islamic laws with moderation: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia wants the implementation of Islamic law and principles to be carried out with moderation and wisdom, Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was reported saying yesterday.

Authorities should avoid extreme measures that could instill fear, anxiety and confusion among the public, Anwar said when asked to comment on the convictions of three Moslem women who took part in a beauty contest.

"While we are responsible in uplifting moral standards, there should be moderation and a give-and-take attitude. Our approach should not give rise to worries or uncertainties," Anwar was quoted as saying in The Star daily.

"When we make any regulations, it should be well-conveyed and not create misunderstandings within the society, otherwise it would make us seem as if we are extremists," he added.

In an unprecedented case Tuesday, three Moslem women were fined by an Islamic court for being "indecently dressed" when taking part in a beauty pageant.

The religious department in central Selangor state had then warned that it would take action against Moslems who dress indecently in public places.

But the department came under attack from some women's organizations who argued that the ruling should have been publicized before action was taken. Islamic affairs come under the jurisdiction of each individual state.

Anwar said that the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) has always been against Moslems participating in beauty pageants.

But the strength of the ruling UMNO party and the government lies in its "practice of a moderate and wise approach," he said, adding that "we do not want to be seen as reversing this principle."

State religious authorities are to meet next month to streamline the implementation of Islamic criminal laws for uniformity nationwide.

Meanwhile, a state religious official called for the "indecency dressing" law to cover films and magazines to avoid a double standard.

It would be pointless to draw up a guideline to prosecute Moslems for indecency while "we approve such acts in films and magazines", said Sheikh Abdul Rahim, head of the Islamic affairs bureau in northern Kedah.

"If indecency goes against Islamic laws, then it should apply everywhere and not only in public," he told the Star, saying that there would be more channels of violation with the advancement in information technology.

Under a new law, action would be taken against women who wear body-hugging dresses, bikinis, leotards, low-cut blouses which show cleavage and high-slit skirts.

Moslem men would be prosecuted if they appear in public showing off the lower part of the body. Those convicted face a fine of 1,000 ringgit (US$400), or six months jail, or both.

Following the ruling, several modeling agencies in Kuala Lumpur have barred Moslem models from fashion shows.

Half of Malaysia's 21 million population is Moslem.