ISLAM allows criticism and celebrates differences in opinion, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim told a regional conference today.

“Islam gives space. If you are wrong, you can be criticised, but the criticism must come in a good way.

“To say that being critical is a western value, is wrong. Islam permits it and while spreading Islam, you can have differences in opinion,” he said in a speech at the Southeast Asia Ulama Multaqa conference in Putrajaya today.

“I also disagree if you say that by being open and critical, you are jeopardising the image of Islam. For years, Muslim thinkers have been critical.”

The Port Dickson MP said the Pakatan Harapan government has allowed different narratives in Islam.

“A country under an authoritarian rule does not provide space and limits freedom, but under an open government, you are able to receive different opinions.

“You have neo-conservatism in America, you have the extreme and far right.

“We need to be wiser in promoting Islam,” he added.

The conference, which drew 600 participants including foreign delegates, is organised by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim).

It is to be closed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad this evening. – November 19, 2019.