Malaysia

Islamic civil society coalition denounces backdoor power grabs amid uncertainty

Hikam alliance of four major NGOs urges commitment to democracy, calls for reform and political stability in line with Malaysia Madani principles

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 26 Jul 2025 10:49AM

Islamic civil society coalition denounces backdoor power grabs amid uncertainty
Power transitions should only take place via free and fair elections, consistent with the principles of syura (consultation) and the voice of the people - July 26, 2025

A COALITION of four leading Islamic civil society organisations under the Himpunan Gerakan Islam Malaysia (Hikam) has issued a firm statement rejecting any attempt to unseat the government through undemocratic means, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law and democratic integrity.

The groups—Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (Wadah), Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), and Pertubuhan Himpunan Lepasan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (Haluan)—outlined four key positions in response to what they described as a troubling escalation of political manoeuvring in recent weeks.

In a joint statement released on Saturday, Hikam said it viewed with “grave concern” the latest developments suggesting renewed efforts to topple the government through unconstitutional means.

“Hikam firmly rejects any effort to bring down the government through ‘backdoor’ methods, illegitimate political pressure, or schemes resembling a ‘Sheraton Move 2.0’,” the statement read.

“Power transitions should only take place via free and fair elections, consistent with the principles of syura (consultation) and the voice of the people.”

The statement was jointly signed by the secretaries-general of each organisation: Azizuddin Ahmad (Wadah), Mohd Hafiz Abd Hamid (Ikram), Muhammad Aliemran Norasid (ABIM), and Mohd Sabbri Md Yudin (Haluan).

Hikam warned that any attempt to disrupt political stability would trigger a crisis of confidence, weaken the economy, and worsen the plight of ordinary Malaysians.

“Islam teaches that the welfare of the ummah must be prioritised and that harm arising from power struggles without democratic foundations must be avoided.”

The coalition also called on all political parties, including the opposition, to play their checks and balances role in a civil and responsible manner.

“Any shortcomings in government should be addressed wisely, through dialogue and legally sanctioned mechanisms—not through incitement or abuse of power.”

Hikam urged all parties to focus on national recovery and reform, particularly in rooting out corruption and redistributing wealth equitably, instead of concentrating it among political elites.

“We call upon all Malaysians, particularly Muslims, to unite in defending democratic sovereignty, rejecting political instability, and supporting a nation-building agenda founded on justice, unity, and peace—the core values of Malaysia Madani.”

“Islamic politics is about upholding trust, not seizing power through deceit,” the statement added.

Today, the ‘Turun Anwar’ Rally is to be held at Dataran Merdeka led by the opposition.

As at 10.30 am, Police officers had intervened at the main stage area, instructing organisers to dismantle the constructed stage.

Following discussions between the organisers and authorities, the organisers agreed to comply. Police later permitted the use of two four-wheel-drive vehicles as an alternative makeshift stage for the rally proceedings - July 26, 2025

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