Anwar: Complete separation of state from religion 'unacceptable'

 

Religion is embedded into the Federal Constitution so it is “unacceptable” for Malaysia to adopt “laïcité” (state) secularism which completely dissociates the state from religion, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

However, he said, this does not mean Malaysia is a theocratic state where Islamic laws are applied across the board, including to non-Muslims.

“If it is laïcité secularism, which completely cuts off religion, it is of course not acceptable, not only to me as a Muslim but to all Malaysians.

“When I say we are not secular, I am referring to that context.

“There is no issue about complete separation of state and religion because Islam is the religion of the federation, but it is not a theocratic state where you can impose Islamic laws on everybody, including non-Muslims,” Anwar said during a question-and-answer session at the International Malaysia Law Conference at Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur today.

He was responding to a question from Malaysian Bar constitutional law committee co-chairperson Andrew Khoo, who asked how the prime minister reconciled his own comments about how secularism will never be accepted in the country and previous case rulings that Malaysia is a secular state.

Constitutional secularism

Laïcité secularism refers to the principles of constitutional secularism in France, adopted after the French Revolution, which completely separates state and religion.

Anwar said the general masses, especially the Malay Muslims, think that secularism is something that is anti-religion.

While he has no issues with the popularisation of the term, he said the public must be made to understand the term clearly.

“Otherwise, there’s a disconnect between the narrative of the urban, the ruling elite and the sentiments and understanding of the masses.

“The majority of Muslims have been told that secularism means complete separation of state and religion based on the influence and experience of the Holy Roman Empire.

“Now, that’s not how Muslims should understand it. The state has secular elements but religious values must be embedded,” he said.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Previously, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had claimed Anwar had to adhere to DAP’s manifesto in replacing the official religion of Islam with a secular state as DAP holds the most parliamentary seats.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, responding to Mahathir’s claim, said the 98-year-old “cannot be more wrong”.

“Did DAP, which had 42 MPs after the 2018 general election – more MPs than now – hold Mahathir as prime minister of the 22-month Harapan government to ransom to do away with Islam as the official religion?” he questioned. - Mkini