KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16, 2006): The speech by Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the opening of the Umno general assemby on Wednesday has been welcomed by several groups.

The groups applauded Abdullah's commitment to eradicate poverty and protect the civil rights of all groups.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's address at the opening of the movement's assembly on Monday - which warned against stoking the flames on disunity through discussions on race and religion - has also drawn support.

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) director Ivy Josiah said:

Abdullah's position to "respect the principle of gender equality" and that "it would be the country's loss to sideline or belittle the role of women" is in line with WAO's advocacy to eliminate discrimination against women.

It is critical for the prime minister to call for healthy debates through the media. "WAO as a member of the coalition Article 11 has seen the worrying trend of silencing voices of civil society by demonising them as a threat, sensitive and racial. We are thus, greatly encouraged that at the very least the media will be given the freedom and discretion to publish points of views to clear myths and misconceptions."

WAO hopes Abdullah's address does not remain mere rhetoric and his leadership can translate this vision by identifying Malaysians who will champion the implementation of this shared vision.

National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia secretary-general Rev Wong Kim Hong said:

Abdullah's statements reflect his sincerity and commitment to his responsibility as the Prime Minister of all Malaysians.

Although his speech was read in his position as Umno president, NECF deems Abdullah's message to be beneficial to all Malaysians as it was aimed at raising a generation of united and progressive Malaysians.

NECF welcomes Abdullah's commitment to firmly act against any group, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, who incites the public with bogus allegations and fictitious threats.

It also welcomes his commitment to strengthen national unity, eradicate poverty regardless of racial background and advocate good governance.

Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) president Yusri Mohamad said:

Abim fully supports Hishammuddin's address, which noted the need to uphold Islam's sovereignty as stated in the Federal Constitution, especially with regard to Articles 11 and 121(1A) -- which refer to freedom of religion and the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court.

The Article 11 coalition and those who were trying to bring up religious and sensitive issues should instead raise awareness about the Malay-Islam community's position that -- in Abim's view -- has been increasingly threatened.

Sensitive issues involving Islam like apostasy should not be questioned or meddled with by non-Muslims.

The Syariah Court's authority and exclusive power through Article 121(1A), which was ammended in 1988, should not be discussed.

Sisters in Islam (SIS) programme manager Norhayati Kaprawi:

"SIS applauds Abdullah's speech in calling for the Muslims to avoid reaching for the most conservative and radical approach when dealing with a particular issue. "It is pertinent to act only on verified facts and rational thinking in order to ensure peace, harmony and justice for all, regardless of religion, race or gender. This is also the key to unity for a multi-racial and multi-religious society."

• This call is in line with the spirit and intentions of the Rukunegara, which is dedicated to achieving a greater unity among the people; maintaining a democratic way of life; creating a just society; ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions; and building a progressive society.
• We hope there are no further notions that Muslims cannot use their minds when dealing with religion. "This is clearly against the call in the Al-Quran that encourages humans to think."
• The prime minister's reminder is timely in view of the rising conservatism, intolerance and radicalism. "We hope that all parties who have been spreading this negativity will stop the incitement of the Muslim ummah with allegations that are twisted and untrue."
• We support the prime minister that all parties must recognise and respect the Federal Constitution as well as the social contract as agreed to by all parties and communities. "It is not appropriate for any parties to challenge and dispute the position and the validity of the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the country."