ID :
348617
Thu, 11/20/2014 - 12:08
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Wasatiyyah Remains The Best Concept Compared With Liberalism - Political Analyst

By Mohd Noor Firdaus Mohd Azil KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- People should not equate the Wasatiyyah concept (moderation) with liberalism because both are different entities said political analyst Dr Chandra Muzaffar. Chandra who is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the 1Malaysia Foundation said moderation was the best form of approach to tackle issues related to liberalism because if left unchecked, it has the potential to lead to extremism. "Wasatiyyah or 'moderation' is the middle path...can be termed as an effort to balance the values and find a way that can be accepted by all in the context of a multiracial society. Through Wasatiyyah, we have learned to think and act wisely without being extreme, too rigid or overly liberal. We are taught not to be a fanatic or to be so obsessed that we close our minds to other views, thoughts and opinions, he said. He said Malaysia is facing challenges to practice 'wassatiyyah' in terms of economic progress and freedom of human rights as it involves public order. "Liberalism is a western philosophy from Europe that started in the 18th century and emphasises on freedom for individuals, in this context to voice out, through a gathered forum, rally and etc," he told Bernama Thursday. He said it would be wrong for the people to consider liberalism as the sole value that cannot be questioned because it had elements of freedom that differed completely with the religious and cultural values practiced in the country. The government had recently rejected notion by some who equated moderation with liberalism. He stressed the importance of moderation, adding that there should be peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people, irrespective of whether they are of the same race or religion. The government practices the Wasatiyyah formula that is inclusive of moderation, balance and excellence to bring about development and transformation to the entire community based on the principles of Islam. He said the Wasatiyyah concept was important to reject fanatical understanding and extremism. Chandra said it was important for the people to understand the aspiration of the government to give importance to Wasatiyyah, because it was more applicable to the socio-economy and geopolitics in the country. -- BERNAMA

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