Anwar on democracy and Islam

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again mesmerised his international audience, this time on the compatibility of Islam and democracy. In Adelaide last week, he gave his usual and now-familiar pronouncements that the “higher objectives” of the Shariah is to have representative government and rule of law, and to allow for accountability and transparency in government.

He quoted the Maqasid of al-Shariah by Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi, a Muslim thinker and philosopher of the 12th century. He could have added the names of a few more Islamic thinkers — like Sudan’s Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im, who is today a professor at Emory University.

The problem with Anwar is that he relies on the liberal Islamic thinkers of years gone by to argue his case about Islam and democracy in Malaysia today.

Those of us who live in this country know all too well the huge gap that exists between the realities and the high principles of Islamic governance, and between existing Islamic political structure and the state of democracy in Malaysia. It’s like saying the moon and the stars are so enchanting and beautiful from afar, when the reality is they merely are lifeless rocks.

The rakyat today can see no compatibility between Islam and democracy here in Malaysia. Can a Muslim exercise basic freedom and liberty in Malaysia? No. Can a non-Muslim even use the word Allah? No. Can we have cultural dances and performances to express our traditions? Not if it’s "mak yong" or "menora". Can we partake in art where human bodies are rendered like Michelangelo’s David in Florence? No.

Muftis can legislate by issuing fatwas which have the force of law. Is this representative government? No. Can women and men attend the same hair salon? Not in some states. Can a Muslim buy a lottery ticket? No. Can a Muslim read books that have not been approved by the state governments? No. Can reason prevail over religious bureaucracy? No.

Brother Anwar, the rakyat wants to know how these daily life scenarios in Malaysia are compatible with democracy. Democracy is not just about elections. It’s also about freedom and personal liberty and the recognition of basic human rights. It’s about protecting the rights of the minorities.

At the basic level, it’s about whether you can commit what is deemed to be a sin if you want to and not be punished by the state. God will punish of course, but that’s another matter. We don’t have this basic freedom in Malaysia, not even in the Pakatan Rakyat-controlled states. So how does Anwar’s Islamic model in Malaysia actually work?

The truth is Anwar wants to win elections and he thinks using the idea of Islam and democracy will draw both DAP and PAS supporters. This is both superficial and short-sighted and it means he wants to have his cake and eat it too. The acrimony between the so-called progressives and conservatives in PAS and UMNO is proof that the formula will not work.

The Islamists in any political party or grouping will not tolerate freedom of expression and personal liberty. They will not accept human rights as they are understood by the modern world. They will always fight for an “Islamic model” of their choice.

Meanwhile, the cause of democratic struggle will suffer and remain unattended. Those who value freedom and liberty will be attacked not only by Datuk Ibrahim Ali and Utusan Malaysia but also by the groups in the Opposition.

We have seen the contradictions between the fatwa and democratic principles and practices. What will Anwar say about the defence of human rights if Islamic scholars say that Islam comes first? He will likely agree with them. What has Anwar said about the ongoing transgressions against our personal liberties? Nothing.

He has, in fact, not taken any clear position on the violation of fundamental liberties in Malaysia, except for some nice-sounding and very general statements about democracy, which he has mainly given overseas. He has not been a democrat in the true sense of the word. In the end, even the democrats will desert him.

Instead of trying to reconcile the irreconcilable, Anwar should just fight authoritarianism first. He should focus on democratic issues that are easy to understand. This is the antidote against authoritarian rule, which he knows we have.

Authoritarian governments come in many forms — some disguise themselves as religious movements that are concerned about protecting Islam and Muslims. Some will gang up under the guise of a traditional or feudal arrangement that they claim represents the will of the people, and declare themselves the protectors and guardians of their race.

In Malaysia we have all these authoritarian groups. I say “authoritarian” because they are not accountable or bothered to explain their actions, which is a lethal mixture in any country. They are only interested in the control of power and being able to impose their views on others. Subjugation is their method. They say God is on their side, which is something we have heard throughout history.

Obviously, as a politician and an Islamist at heart, Anwar will not accept my suggestions. He believes he can do the impossible. Egypt’s ousted President Mohamed Morsi could not succeed because the political Islam that Anwar is so fond of cannot succeed in the present-day world. The only way it can is if it sacrifices the democratic way of life.

There is no compatibility between the Islamic movement of today and democracy — it’s that simple. The choice is clear; it's either freedom or tyranny. It's either democracy or authoritarian rule. The only successful free and democratic Muslim country is Turkey, but that’s only because it’s a secular democracy by law.

Good luck to Anwar for wanting to do the impossible. I admire his tenacity, but it’s just a waste to persist with a formula that will not work. It would make more sense if the democratic forces in the country grouped together and fought the common enemy of authoritarian rule.

It would make more sense for Anwar to be a democrat first. It’s not too late for him to remodel himself, but it’s unlikely he will do so. - October 22, 2013.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.