SECRETARIAT FOR DIALOGUES BETWEEN ISLAMIC SCHOLARS AND LEADERS TO BE SET UP

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- A special secretariat which can be the
platform for dialogues between the ulamas (Islamic scholars) and umara'
(leaders) on current issues involving Muslims will be set up soon.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said such a secretariat was
needed to enhance relations and cooperation between the two groups as their
thinking and views were important in resolving issues involving Muslims.

"Basically, it should begin with mutual respect for each other's role and
the outcome of their discussions should be brought to the fore as guidance and
reference in solving the issues," he said.

Najib who was met by reporters after attending the "Ulama and Umara'
Gathering and Dialogue" at the Federal Territory Mosque, here, Monday said it
had
been proposed that the Islamic Consultative Council under the Islamic
Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) act as the permanent
secretariat.

He said in safeguarding the image of Islamic scholars and leaders in the
eyes of society, the two groups should be sensitive to the aspirations, hopes
and concerns of the people, besides being able to understand the trends and
thinking of young people as well as issues involving them.


Najib also proposed that Islamic institutions in the country study how
Prophet Muhammmad practised the "zimmi" (free non-Muslims living under Muslim
rule) concept in managing racial conflicts and ensuring religious tolerance
during his time.

"We should use this concept as the basis for our religous tolerance so that
others could see Islam as a harmonious religion.

"Let us together think of ways and take action to rebuild harmony in the
country through wisdom by applying the formula that had been practised by the
Prophet.

"At the same time, the Prophet was also firm with elements that tried to
disturb the prevailing peace and harmony. The Prophet's attitude towards the
"harbi" group or aggressors and hypocrites had been firm and clear," he
said.

Under the "zimmi" concept, Muslims are required to protect the weak,
including from among the non-Muslims, as long as they are not against Islam,
while the "harbi" group refers to those who are blatantly against Islam.

Najib said the proposals were part of efforts to stop the actions of some
quarters who had deliberately been stoking religious sentiments among the people
by giving their intepretations of Islam according to their own understanding and
for their own personal interest without thinking of the dangerous implications.

On a suggestion made at the dialogue for the government to set up a
ministry specifically to look after the interest of Islam, he said so far the
government had no intention to do so as it had implications on the Federal
Constitution, meaning, it (Constitution) would have to be amended as religion
came under the jurisdiction of the respective states.

"Furthermore, under the Prime Minister's Department, we have a minister who
oversees Islamic religious matters. The prime minister is also involved in
religious matters and be can bring any religious issue directly to the attention
of the Malay Rulers. This is more effective than having a special ministry," he
added.

The deputy prime minister agreed that certain individuals who were always
issuing controversial statements through the media, be monitored because it was
as though their views were recognised by the public.

"And if these views on issues are not right or accurate, they can also
cause
confusion among the public," he said.

Najib said such views should not be taken as absolute truth without first
checking, and this problem, therefore, should be tackled together with the
public.

-- BERNAMA