Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin zero-ed in on "religious extremists and chauvinists" as having hampered efforts to develop Islam as a progressive religion, saying that what they have done only suits "the demands of international radicalism".

Without specific reference to anyone, he alleged that such people have blemished the reputation of Malaysia as a moderate Islamic voice and that they would "definitely destroy" democracy as practised today.

"What is the meaning of democracy if Muslims are not allowed to enter premises that sell alcoholic drinks? Where then would the leaders of Islamic parties stay when they come to Kuala Lumpur as most of the hotels here serve alcoholic drinks?" he asked, drawing laughter from the audience of about 40.

Zainuddin, also known as Zam, was opening a two-day seminar on religion and good governance in Kuala Lumpur today, organised by the Asian Institute for Development Communications and Konrad Adenauer Foundation to examine the correlation between religions and modern values.

He also said those concerned would resort to labelling "those who disagree with their line of thinking as infidels".

Describing this as "another disappointing truth", he said this has happened whenever they are unable to provide rational and logical answers to questions pertaining to worldviews or when they are demoralised.

Swipe at PAS

Zainuddin then quoted an editorial dated May 19, 2002 in PAS political organ Harakah, part of which read: "....We should never have given up our principles and sat down with people who have no belief in the next world and the reality of God's help With right spirit and faith, insya allah, the party of God will be victorious."

Questioning the stand, he took a swipe at PAS: "..If they cannot even sit together with their Muslim brothers, are we to believe that they are able to co-exist with non-Muslims to form a political front to rule this country?"

Zainuddin noted that each religion has evolved to serve intellectual, social and emotional needs that are relevant to their societies. However, the are similarities in that all religions promote respect for human dignity and justice.

He said, too, that interfaith dialogue is vital for society to learn about itself, and that efforts should not be limited to those who already share the view.

"Spirituality embodied in religion can offer a glimmer of hope to survive our chaotic world. Religion has that capability to channel individuals, communities and governments towards better governance, and more importantly, towards being better citizens of the world," he added.

'Develop consciousness'

Keynote speaker Dr Chandra Muzaffar, who heads the International Movement for a Just World, said universal values shared by all religions can provide a framework for good governance.

He said it was not enough for administrators to merely observe religious rituals, rules and regulations which they proclaim to be based on religion.

"After World War II, a number of countries with huge Muslim majorities had proclaimed themselves Islamic states look at their performances, each and everyone of these states without exception and you will be disappointed", he said.

"There was corruption in these states, there was greed (and) thieves who call themselves Islamic rulers. They performed all the rituals, they upheld all the rules and regulations, but look at their administration (they had) no accountability."

He urged all advocates of an Islamic state to firstly analyse the failures of such states.

Chandra also felt that society was more concerned with "forms and frills" and that it allows rituals and other observations to take precedence over the actual substance in terms of accountability and ethics.

He outlined the values of good governance - as stated in the Quran - as including justice, welfare of the people, honesty and integrity, competent leadership, knowledge and consultation with the people.

"We have to develop that consciousness (of values and principles) at the level of the populace through schools, media and religious institutions," he said, faulting them for not doing enough to inculcate values.

Chandra said that, once that is achieved, society will demand institutions and policies that embody good values of governance. Leaders will be forced to comply with the values and principles upheld by the people.