Several local and foreign non-governmental organisations came under fire today at the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur for allegedly threatening Islam in Malaysia.

During the debate on society and religion, Penang delegate Shahbudin Yahaya singled out four NGOs - the Inter-Faith Council, Pusat Komas, Penang Global Ethics Project and Sisters in Islam (SIS) - for carrying out activities that 'threatened' Islam.

The Inter-Faith Council, or IFC, however is not a NGO. It was mooted by various NGOs but was shot down by the prime minister.

Shahbudin said these NGOs were supported and endorsed by international research group, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF).

"They produce books about liberalism and religious pluralism. This is supported by the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation," added the delegate, who is also the Penang Islamic Council chief.

He then proceeded to show other materials, including a video disc, said to be of similar content but did not elaborate on its actual content.

"The problem we now face is threats towards the stability of Islam in Malaysia, not from within, but from abroad through systematic and organised means using Malays and Muslims," he added.

The German-based KAF, which has close links with the country's ruling Christian Democratic Union, offers political education, conducts scientific fact-finding research for political projects and grants scholarships to gifted individuals.

It has a office in Malaysia and has hosted a number of functions officiated by Malaysian dignitaries, including cabinet ministers such as Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Casting doubts

Later in his speech, Shahbudin zeroed in on SIS. He claimed the organisation looked for loopholes to weaken the syariah or Islamic legal system.

"They raise issues and problems, not to help, but to cast doubts in order for people to reject the syariah legal system. They look for a few cases to focus on and from there, they erode the role of the syariah courts," he said.

He said the women's group should show sincerity in helping Islam's development by helping to curb social ills and economic issues as outlined by the Umno president.

As for the Penang Global Ethics Project, he took the organisation to task for conducting 'tours' of various places of worship and telling participants that all religions are similar.

"Imagine Islam being put on the same level as other religions. How are we going to defend the hadith?" he asked.

Among the organisations which have backed the Penang Global Ethics Project are KAF, Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Municipal Council of Penang.

Early this year, the organisation held an exhibition which promotes "the common ethical values which can be the basis of peace and dialogue amongst the world's religious communities".

According to its website, one common principle is the golden rule, 'Treat others as you like to be treated', variations of which are found in all religions.

The exhibition was opened by Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon.