UiTM’s anti-Christian seminar just brainstorming session, says Muhyiddin

By admin-s On Jun 20, 2014

(TMI) – “The facts and discussions in the seminar should be viewed positively as a form of intellectual brainstorming”

Despite criticism of a public university’s religiously charged seminar last month, which attacked Christianity and reports of dubious speakers claiming to be former Catholic clergy, Putrajaya now says the seminar was just a form of “intellectual brainstorming which should be viewed positively”.

Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) said the May 6 seminar on Allah and Christology at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) was an academic programme to explain problems related to the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims.

“There were academic discussions and explanations on the pros and cons of the matter which were conducted harmoniously, in line with intellectual culture at institutions of higher learning.

“The facts and discussions in the seminar should be viewed positively as a form of intellectual brainstorming,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to PKR’s Penampang MP Darell Leiking on Wednesday.

UiTM has come under fire for the seminar which featured several speakers who highlighted the “threat of Christianisation”.

Several police reports have also been lodged over its Christian-bashing elements.

Muhyiddin said at the start of the session, which was attended by Muslim students and other invited guests, participants were reminded that the seminar was not aimed at belittling other religions or attack the faith of other races.

“It was to defend the identity of Muslims and give an understanding on the challenges and threats faced by Muslims, especially those who have been confused by the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims,” he said.

He added there was a need to clear the air over the matter as it would enable the participants to understand the issue better and even foster closer ties between all races.