Will Anwar’s stand against religious zealots backfire?

Ian McIntyre, The Ant Daily

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has much going on now as he awaits his fate before the Federal Court.

Facing the prospect of imprisonment after he was found guilty by the Appeal Court of sodomising ex-personal aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the Penang-born leader is now eagerly awaiting the verdict.

As the five-member bench of the highest court in the land deliberates on a decision after earlier hearing the arguments from the prosecution and defence, Anwar is unperturbed.

First, was his whirlwind tour of the United States, where he addressed elite institutions of higher learning about democracy in Malaysia.

Then upon return, Anwar has apparently made peace with his one-time right-hand man Azmin Ali, who has since been appointed as the new Selangor Menteri Besar by the sultan.

Then, his ‘Datuk Seri’ title was revoked by the Selangor palace for allegedly questioning the integrity of the state monarchy in dealing with the menteri besar crisis.

And it was typical Anwar when he overshadowed an event held to mark the International Human Rights Day celebration in Penang early this month.

Attending Suaram’s tabulation of the Penang Local Government Report, Anwar spoke forcefully about the alleged abuse of Islam.

He had taken a huge risk of being condemned by Muslim rightist movements when he alleged that there were those who had manipulated religion to justify racist and bigotry aims.

Although his future remains uncertain as the court has yet to reach a decision on his sodomy charge, the Opposition Leader was in his element – at least to the audience he was addressing.

He may lose political mileage over what is perceived to be a liberalised view on the position of Islam in the country, but Anwar is just living up to his reputation as a maverick politician.

Anwar went on to say that human rights meant that Islam should be discussed out in the open where participation from the non-Muslim segment is welcome.

“This will prevent anyone from carrying out a misguided approach to the religion. Those who abuse it, are doing a disservice to us,” he said.

He wants PKR and its partners to rise against those who exploit religion to abuse others.

Referring to the proposed massive rally to defend Islam by a Muslim movement, Anwar said there is nothing wrong in defending the religion.

But it should not be used to defend ill-conceived actions against non-Muslims.

Jason Ong Khan Lee, a former Bukit Bendara PKR division head, is surprised that Anwar is undertaking a bold stance.

“I think Anwar could be hit from various corners for speaking out on something that people know but are afraid to say; telling it as it is. I think he is courageous.”

He acknowledged that the support for Anwar has dipped somewhat following his handling of the Selangor menteri besar crises.

In essence, Anwar has gone out of his way now by risking traditional support from his electoral pool of Muslims, who may be aggrieved by his bold statement, Ong opined.

To varying degrees, there are instances where people resort to using religion to defend their racist and hurtful statements.

Islam is the country’s official religion, and it should be used to maintain peace, not to divide the nation, Ong said.