Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that the formation of an Islamic state in Malaysia "has never been part of my agenda".

At a dialogue with some 300 members of the Malaysian Bar yesterday, he pointed out that he has been very consistent with his agenda for reform and that it has never included an Islamic state or implementation of hudud law (the Islamic criminal code).

"As a Muslim I cannot question hudud law which is stipulated in the holy Quran. You cannot ask me to question hudud. But whether it can be implemented in Malaysia is another question altogether," he said.

He qualified this, though, by also saying that this does not mean that he subscribes to secularism.

"I am not interested in secularism as this is highly loaded with Western historical baggage that objects to religious values. I cannot agree to that. Of course, I can take the popular stand right now and say that I agree with secularism...but then I would be lying, which I refuse to do."

Anwar said hudud cannot be implemented in Malaysia because of the current international environment, complexity of its society and its constitutional framework.

"I have engaged with PAS (leaders) and I have told them that they have to be realistic. There are many pressing issues that we need to achieve that are far more important than the formation of an Islamic state. For example, we need an effective system that combats corruption," he said.

"I told them if we have a country that is free of corrupt practices where people are assured economic justice, I believe that we would be a better Islamic country than Saudi Arabia which practices hudud."

Create paltform

He said an Islamic state and hudud law would be meaningless if human rights, democracy and economic justice are at low levels.

"What is Islamic state all about? It's about ensuring economic justice, a fair judiciary and zero corruption. I think what is important is to create reforms to attain all these wonderful features."

There was also some debate when Anwar was asked his views on freedom of religion.

Anwar said that everyone must be free to practise their religion, but that they should also respect other religions.

He agreed that freedom of religion is a very sensitive issue which can only be discussed among mature people.

"I advise you not to raise this type of questions in heartland of Kelantan or Kedah or you'll get into trouble," he added.