New Delhi: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim has said he does not agree with all the views of Kerala-based Islamic
scholar Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar, ahead of their scheduled meeting in
Kozhikode. Speaking exclusively to NDTV on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in
New Delhi, Ibrahim said he would make it clear that Malaysia guarantees equal
rights for women.
Describing Kanthapuram as a traditional
religious scholar who has made significant contributions to the understanding
of the Quran, Islamic traditions and the teachings of the Prophet, Ibrahim said
the two do not necessarily share the same views. His comments came after the
Kerala cleric recently faced criticism over remarks that women should remain
confined to their homes.
Ibrahim said he was not overly concerned
about the remarks when viewed in the broader context of the institutions run by
Kanthapuram, including a nursing college. He pointed out that female students
pursuing nursing would eventually work in hospitals. However, he stressed that
if the issue came up during their meeting, he would clearly state that women in
Malaysia have equal rights and opportunities.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also highlighted
his own family and the opportunities available to women in Malaysia. He said
his wife is a medical doctor and that all his children, including his
daughters, have been given the freedom and opportunity to pursue higher
education. Ibrahim said he had also discussed the issue with Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, adding that people do not necessarily have to agree
with every view expressed by religious scholars or political leaders.
Kanthapuram, general secretary of the All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama, had recently said at an Islamic conference in Kochi that women should remain within their homes and should not appear on public platforms, citing religious texts. His remarks drew criticism from former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others, with critics describing the position as outdated and a misinterpretation of Islam. Kanthapuram later clarified that he and his associates did not believe women should be confined to their homes.
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