Muslims want democracy, says Anwar

Criticised for voicing liberal views in the West while flirting with orthodox Islam at home, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said there should be no reason for a contradiction between democracy and Islam.

“The vast majority of Muslims are under democratic rule... or are opting for democracy, as in Egypt,” the man vying to be prime minister told Financial Times (FT) in an interview published yesterday.

The influential international daily noted that the former deputy prime minister has drawn scepticism, even from admirers, that he can lead his fractious three-party Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to victory in the next general election or deliver his promises of a reformed government.

Teach children the principles of democracy

A school syllabus on democracy will teach children good governance and democratic rights, says a social activist.

GEORGE TOWN: Our schools don’t do a good job of preparing students on how to practice democracy and social activist BK Ong feels that the best way to do this is to have a school syllabus on democracy.

He said this would be a progressive educational step to nurture Malaysians from young on their rights and responsibilities to the country.