In an intense debate at the Dewan Rakyat, PAS MP Abd Ghani Ahmad called on the government to take decisive action against what he labeled as "liberal Muslims," singling out lawyer-activist Siti Kasim as a prominent figure. Ghani accused these individuals of promoting views that allegedly insult Islam and undermine the core tenets of the religion.
The Jerlun MP's comments were part of a broader discussion during the debate on the 2025 budget, where he expressed concerns over the rising influence of liberal interpretations of Islamic teachings in Malaysia. According to him, these interpretations present a significant challenge to the religious and cultural fabric of the country.
Ghani referenced specific instances where he believes Siti Kasim's actions and remarks were disrespectful to Islam. He cited her public call to shut down tahfiz schools, which are Islamic religious institutions that teach the memorization of the Quran, as well as her involvement in a controversy surrounding the sale of socks bearing the word "Allah."
"So, what will the government do to curb such liberal beliefs, like those expressed by Siti Kasim, who has openly insulted Islam?" Ghani asked during the parliamentary session. He also questioned whether there was a formal program in place to "rehabilitate" those who hold liberal views on Islam, suggesting that such a measure could help address what he sees as a growing trend.
He went on to align himself with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent statements about the need for a coordinated effort to combat "deviant" trends in the country. Ghani, however, focused specifically on what he describes as the threat posed by liberal Muslims, claiming that they promote ideas that are inconsistent with the traditional understanding of Islamic principles.
A key point of Ghani's argument was his criticism of the liberal belief in religious equality. He argued that promoting the idea that all religions are equal, and encouraging Muslims to participate in the festivities of other faiths, directly contradicts Islamic teachings. He emphasized that this viewpoint has been condemned by religious scholars and muftis, who he said are often dismissed by liberal Muslims as being outdated or close-minded.
"Liberal Muslims reject the authority of religious scholars and instead push for a more progressive and inclusive understanding of faith. This creates a dangerous trend that threatens to erode the core values of Islam," Ghani remarked.
Another point of concern for Ghani was the increasing advocacy for religious freedom, specifically the right for Muslims to leave their faith. In Malaysia, apostasy remains a sensitive and legally complex issue, with some states imposing criminal penalties for those who renounce Islam. Ghani expressed alarm at what he perceives as a growing push to allow Muslims to freely leave the religion, which he believes further contributes to the rise of liberal interpretations of Islam.
As Malaysia grapples with the balance between religious conservatism and liberalism, Ghani's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions within the country’s socio-religious landscape. His calls for government intervention will likely fuel further debate on how to navigate these diverging views in a pluralistic society.
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