An international seminar to discuss the Islamic syariah law has been postponed after nine of its key local participants withdrew following a stern warning from the government.

Organiser of the meeting, Centre For Studies in Modernity and Civil Society (Cesmacs), said Deputy Education Minister Aziz Shamsudin had cautioned yesterday that lecturers who attend the event would face severe action, including dismissal.

The lecturers, who were to present their papers in the seminar entitled 'Syariah, Modernity and Change' to be held in Kuala Lumpur next week, told the organisers that they were asked by their superiors to withdraw their participation.

The nine lecturers were from three local educational institutions - the International Islamic University, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

"Their withdrawal ... is something unfortunate for a country which claims to be democratic, respects intellectual freedom and expands the idea of a knowledge-based society," said Cesmac director Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty in a press statement.

He said the seminar, which was also to see the participation of foreigners, was aimed to discuss serious issues on how Islam - especially the syariah - faces the changing times, as well as the role of non-Muslims in an Islamic state.

Baseless claim

Muhammad Nur also refuted Aziz's and Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin's (photo) claim that the seminar was organised by the opposition.

"Cesmac is an independent, non-partisan and professional think-tank. Its activities are purely academic and free of any political influence," said Muhammad Nur, whose is a former leader of the influential Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim).

"The deputy ministers' statements made in state-owned television stations are regrettable. As leaders, they should show a good example by respecting the tradition of knowledge and to carefully think before they make public statements," he said.

According to the Cesmac director, the seminar which was to be held at a hotel in Subang Jaya, received a strong response with more than 200 people already registered to attend.