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"We want Islam Hadhari to be a tool for Muslims around the world to spread the message that Islam can be a progressive religion," said Abdullah. (Reuters) |
KEPALA BATAS, Malaysia — Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched Friday, March 16, a new drive to promote "Islam Hadhari," with ambitious plans to export t his own brand of moderate Islam to other countries.
"If we continue with the old mindset, we will be left behind," Abduallah said as he kicked off a three-day Islamic Hadhari show village in his northern home state of Penang, Reuters reported.
"If we are weak, people can simply bully us. Look at what happened to Iraq," he added, referring to the US-led occupation of Iraq.
Abdullah said Muslims should reject the narrow view of Islam in order to make progress.
He said he wants by spreading Islam Hadhari to stand up to narrow-minded officials, like those who proposed to hire local "spies" to snoop on unmarried Muslim couples.
Abdullah asked last month the Northeastern state of Terengganuthe to drop plans to enlist the public, including hotel waitresses or janitors, to sniff out un-Islamic behavior by unmarried couples, including kissing.
Last year, Islamic officials raided an American couple, both Christians, on suspicion of the alleged Islamic crime of khalwat, or close proximity. The government later apologized to the duo.
The premier also aim at cynics and skeptics who describe Islam Hadhari as no more than window-dressing three years after he launched it.
"They continue to uphold the teachings of Islam in its narrow context," the prime minister said of his critics.
Abdullah said even the non-Malay parties in the ruling coalition had accepted Islam Hadhari.
"We have no ulterior motive," he said.
Dozens of government departments and private firms set up stalls at the exhibition to offer products and services ranging from herbal coffee to Islamic insurance in a carnival-like atmosphere.
Organizers say they expect to draw 500,000 visitors.
Spreading
Abdullah said the government would try to export the concept of Islam Hadhari to other countries to help spread the message of moderate Islam.
"We can play the role as a respected peacemaker," Abdullah said.
"We want Islam Hadhari to be a tool for Muslims around the world to spread the message that Islam can be a progressive religion without losing its universal values," he said.
He did not name the countries, but officials said hot spots such as southern Thailand could be a target.
Having championed the idea since coming to power in October 2003, Abdullah said in January that its balance between Islam and "healthy modernity" can be a positive example for the Muslim world.
The ten principles of Islam Hadhari are: Faith and piety in Allah, a just and trustworthy government, a free and independent People, mastery of knowledge, balanced and comprehensive economic development, a good quality of life, protection of the rights of minority groups and women, cultural and moral integrity, safeguarding the environment, and strong defenses.
Abdullah has also woven the principles of Islam Hadhari into national development programs, including a plan to turn Malaysia into a developed state by 2020.
"The seed that we plant today will be enjoyed by future generations," he said. "I don't care what people say."
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