Many Object To Irshad Manji's Presence In Malaysia - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Islamic Development Department has received many complaints from non-governmental organisations(NGOs), individuals and political parties about liberal Muslim activist Irshad Manji planning to hold programmes in Malaysia, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Jamil Khir Baharom. He said she planned to launch her book titled "Islam Liberty and Love" in the country which was offensive to Muslims and also hold talks on her deviant ideology. In a statement here on Friday, he said the activist had also openly admitted to being a lesbian and also supported Lesbian, Gay, Bisexsual and Transexual (LGBT) lifestyles. "The government views seriously the ideology promoted by Irshad Manji and the impact it can have on Muslims in Malaysia," he said, adding that the ideology was clearly against Malaysia's position as an Islamic country and the norms of Malaysian society. Jamil Khir said Irshad Manji had also authored a book titled 'The problem with Islam Today" which offended Muslims worlwide and contained the same idealism as Salman Rushdie, the writer of the novel 'The Satanic Verses". As such, he urged Malaysian Muslims to be constantly on the alert so as not to be influenced by ideologies that were in conflict with Islam brought by groups or individuals like Irshad Manji. -- BERNAMA