Prominent political scientist to talk on Islam and liberty

Since the uprising in several Arab states which brought into power Islamic groups previously repressed by dictatorial regimes, concerns have been expressed whether the newly elected leaderships would now be the very embodiment of the saying "One man, one vote, one time”.

Recent developments in Egypt have evoked a plethora of views on the subject of the compatibility of Islamists and democracy. Some analysts have attempted to conclude president Mohammed Morsi's move to temporarily solidify his presidential powers as a classic example that Islam and democracy cannot mix.

Yet the truth is that in recent modern history, the subject of Islamic democratisation, so to speak, had been tackled by legendary Muslim reformists such as Muhammad Abduh and Jamaluddin al-Afghani, who contend that human understanding of Islam is flexible and therefore Islamic tenets can be interpreted to accommodate pluralism.

To further delve into this sometimes confusing and polemical topic, Nottingham University, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) and Kuala Lumpur-based Islamic Renaissance Front have invited Prof James Piscatori (pic), who heads the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, UK.

The former fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies will deliver his talk entitled “Legacy of the Arab Spring: The Question of Liberty and Democracy”.

The programme will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 2.00 to 5.00 PM, at ISTAC's Jalan Duta campus.

Those interested may register their attendance online at www.irfront.org. -HD