KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs were quick to come to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s (Tambun-PH) defence over his Malaysia Madani concept after opposition figures attempted to discredit the framework.
This comes after the opposition MPs claimed, among others, that the concept fails to prioritise justice for citizens and is contradictory to Anwar’s previous statements.
In response to the opposition’s criticism, Azli Yusof (Shah Alam-PH) called on MPs across the aisle to familiarise themselves with the book on the Madani concept first before highlighting any of its ostensible faults.
“I am sure that some opposition MPs have not read the book on the Madani agenda (as) they claimed that the concept does not touch on justice for the people.
“However, page 24 of the book clearly elaborates on the issue. How can they accuse (Anwar) of acting unfairly?
“Please read the book (on the Madani agenda) first before you debate on it,” he said.
Among those who voiced grouses were Khairil Nizam Khirudin (Jerantut-PN), Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (Pengkalan Chepa-PN), Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (Sik-PN) and Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Kubang Kerian-PN).
Their disapproval of the concept was made known during opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s (Larut-PN) speech in the Dewan Rakyat today, when he asserted that the framework could cause friction among the people if not clarified properly.
“In a speech titled ‘religion and pluralism in a divided world’, Anwar said that ‘Muslims must break free from old practices’ while advocating a ‘rediscovery of the religious inherent grasp of pluralism’.
“Academicians and religious figures have raised their concern that the Madani concept is in line with Anwar’s statement (as they have) identified elements of secularism, liberalism and pluralism in the framework,” Hamzah said.
He added that Anwar should make clear his thoughts on the agenda to put to rest any uneasy feelings over the direction of the framework, assuring the prime minister that the opposition will support any “good” concept.
Anwar was not in the august House for the evening session of today’s sitting.
Meanwhile, Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan Baru-PH) pointed out that the Madani agenda is “not new” as Anwar’s political journey shows signs of the concept, especially in terms of his principles and fighting spirit.
He added that certain opposition figures should be aware of this as they had been by Anwar’s side during certain noteworthy events, such as the prime minister’s debut into politics when Hamzah had accompanied him in the Universiti Malaya student union.
“In the 90s when (Anwar) was part of Umno, (Hamzah) was there with him and the Madani concept was also discussed in PKR when now-PN figures, including (Hamzah) were with the party.
“This (Madani agenda) is an old issue and (Anwar) believes in the agenda based on Islamic teachings and universal humanitarian values,” he said. – The Vibes, February 14, 2023
