Define human rights according to Islam even if not universal, says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak says human rights must be defined according to Islam, not universal concepts. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, August 18, 2015.Human rights must be defined according to Islam and its principles, even if it contradicts universal concepts of such rights, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

Najib said Islam must be defended as human rights, if not defined according to the religion, could be used for other purposes which might cause deviation from the religion's teaching.

"This is what we must defend. Although in terms of definition, human rights have been defined universally, in this country we still define human rights according to the Islamic context and its principles (syariat).

"Even though it is hard for us to defend (it) internationally, it is compulsory for us to defend it," the prime minister said today when officiating an international seminar on moderation (wasatiyah) in Bangi.

Najib said moderation as an approach was the best way to empower the younger generation and to curb extreme positions, whether on the militant or liberal end.

He said both extremist and liberal groups had emerged in Malaysia, and both used the name of freedom to impose their views on others.

"Some disguise behind human rights to legitimise their actions that have deviated from Islamic teachings.

"Groups like the Islamic State and lesbians, gay, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBT) both target the younger generation… and seem successful in influencing certain groups in society," he said.

Najib added that wasatiyah or moderation could be made a component in the syllabus of the National Service Training programme. – August 18, 2015.