In conjunction with Malaysian
Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show 2006 (MAHA 2006),
the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI),
MABIC, and Yayasan Ilmuwan jointly organized a public seminar focusing
on genetic engineering and Islamic perspective on this technology.
The objectives of this
seminar were to create awareness among the public of this controversial
technology as well as to address the compatibility of principles of
Islam and genetic engineering.
Invited speakers from MARDI,
Ministry of Health, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM),
and University Malaya addressed various issues such as the benefits
of the technology, food safety issues, government policies and laws
and regulations, principles of Islam that are related to science and
technology, and ethical issues. It is clearly evident from the presentations
that the benefits of the technology abound and Islam supports development
of any technology that does not harm mankind and improves the quality
of life. However, Islam also clearly states that any technology should
use sources that are permissible (halal) to develop products.
Through seminars of this
nature, it is envisaged that myths and information that are not based
on scientific principles that are lingering among the public on genetic
engineering and genetically modified foods can be addressed in a balanced
and fact based manner. It would be a lost for the nation if this beneficial
technology is rejected based on unfound data. As the government is
serious in promoting agricultural biotechnology, all aspects of the
technology must be taken into account including human and animal safety,
environmental impact, and ethical and religious principles.
The seminar was attended
by 60 participants from all walks of life including scientists, policy
makers, and members of NGOs.
Mabic Events 
