Patriot rejects Isma's challenge to 'Malaysia an Islamic state' debate

Armed forces veterans group Patriot has rejected a challenge by Malay-Muslim NGO Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) to a debate.

Patriot president Mohd Arshad Raji said this was because a debate on whether Malaysia was an Islamic state would bring no benefit to the country's multicultural people.

"It only shows that Malays are preoccupied with fighting each other about their religion.

"We will not entertain any group that we feel is not open to unity of this country's multiracial and multireligious people.

"Islam is already the official religion as per the Federal Constitution. Isn't that enough?" Arshad told Malaysiakini.

Isma president Aminuddin Yahya had issued the challenge on Thursday in response to public statements made by Patriot and G25 on Isma's campaign to reject Malaysia as a secular state.

Patriot had pledged support for G25's statement earlier this week that the Federal Constitution should remain as the country's founding fathers had intended it to be.

Meanwhile, G25 advisor Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim said the organisation wanted to know more about what Isma meant by "Islamic state" before discussing whether or not to partake in the debate.

However, he said it would be better for Isma to focus on other issues such as eradicating poverty, drug abuse, and underage marriages - in line with the Islamic concept of "Rahmatan lil alamin" (a blessing for all).

"That too is an Islamic concept. The people could make Malaysia a renowned Muslim-majority country.

"But the people don't take that into account. The people want labels, to pressure, to judge instead," he said. -Mkini