The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) has declared its full support for the stand of Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein in defence of Islam and the rights of Malays.

Its president Yusri Mohamad said Abim agreed with Hishamuddin in upholding the position of Islam as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, particularly in relation to Article 11 on religious freedom and Article 121 (1A) on the separation of civil and Syariah courts.

"His warning to the Article 11 coalition and groups currently seeking to raise issues of religion and sensitive matters should raise the awareness of the Malay-Muslim community of the increasing daily criticisms that are levelled against it," he said in a statement.

Yusri (photo) was referring to an umbrella organisation comprising of 13 activist groups with a declared mission of upholding constitutional rights of all citizens to freedom of religion.

Muslims groups have contended that the coalition attempts to impose an interpretation of religious freedom that goes against Islamic teachings and practices.

"Abim would like to assert that sensitive issues involving the Muslim community such as apostasy is a matter for the Muslim community that should not be questioned or intervened by non-Muslims," said Yusri.

"The integrity and the exclusive jurisdiction that has been given to the syariah courts through Article 121 (1A) which was amended in 1988 should not be challenged," he added.

"It will only raise more confusion and chaos, as matters had previous to this been resolved well by the executive and legislative bodies. Abim, thus, is disappointed at the efforts (of certain quarters) seeking to lobby the government to amend the said provisions."

Backing for PM's warning

In another statement, Yusri also expressed agreement with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who yesterday warned against extremism in matters of religion.

Yusri was speaking in his capacity as chairperson of Pembela (Defenders of Islam), a coalition of Muslim groups and associations set up to stem what they perceive to be efforts to roll back the powers of the Islamic religious authorities.

While concurring with Abdullah's warning on attempts to 'hijack' the Islam Hadhari programme for conservative or radical ends, Yusri said extremism could also take the shape of efforts to spread ultra-liberal and permissive values.

"Any moves to interpret the teachings of Islam in a manner that is overly restrictive or overly liberal is wrong and will bring about an inaccurate picture of Islam," said Yusri.

"While contributing to improving and promoting the sanctity of Islam in our country, Pembela also stresses its commitment to the pluralism of races and religions in Malaysia," he added.