Malaysian Muslim Solidarity
Malaysian Muslim Solidarity (Malay: "Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia", often known by its acronym ISMA) is a Malaysian ultra-conservative Islamist non-government organisation (NGO). It was established in 1997 with the name "Ikatan Siswazah Muslim Malaysia", which was later changed to present "Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia" in 2005. ISMA is involved with Islamic propagation activities particularly focused on the Malay and Muslim demographics in Malaysia to "develop and empower Islamic civilisation in Malaysia on the basis of mutual justice” based on their slogan "Melayu Sepakat, Islam Berdaulat" (Malays Unite for Islam Sovereignty). The movement is particularly known for its  vocal opposition towards what it claims to be rampant "influences of liberalism, deviationism of the Shia denomination, and threats of Christianisation" in the country. The NGO now has 35 branches nationwide and 9 international branches. Affiliation. ISMA is a member of . ISMA was one of the organisers of "(Himpunan Sejuta Umat)" public rally at Shah Alam Stadium on 22 October 2011. ISMA is also a member of Gerakan Pembela Ummah (UMMAH) of which its current President Aminuddin Yahaya is the Chairman of UMMAH. Political involvement. ISMA has declared that they are not a political party and still a NGO while  its members participated the 2013 general election (GE13). The ISMA members has contested the election as candidates under on the ticket of Pan-Malaysian Islamic Front (BERJASA) party. None of their contestants win in the election despite ISMA had claimed that the peoples has supported their motive for contesting the general election and political involvement. In the aftermath, some of the ISMA leaders has joined BERJASA to remain active in politics up to 2018 general election (GE14). Although ISMA has denied it, the obvious involvement has proven speculation and accusation the NGO is indirectly taking over the party to turn  it into their new political platform with a rebranded new image in facing next general election (GE15) strategy. Controversies and issues. Opposition to attempts at the Universal Periodic Review of Malaysia. The organisation was a major player in opposing the Coalition of Malaysian Non-Governmental Organizations (COMANGO) in 2008. The collective's main goal was to involve in the Universal Periodic Review of the country at that time. The organization claims that the collective in its seeking of cooperation with the United Nations to "bring forth and spread a Western-based liberal agenda"; many of its meetings were organized to  speak of its opposition of the movement to the Malaysian public. The organization also accused Marina Mahathir of cooperating with the collective due to her membership in the Sisters in Islam directing body, which results in Marina files suit against ISMA for defamation. Marina has settled her libel suit against ISMA after its deputy president read out a statement expressing their regrets to her. There was no order as to costs. Racial bigotry slurs. In 2014, ISMA president then, Ustaz Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman had made a racial statement that "the Chinese immigrants who were brought into Malaya by British  are intruders of the country" in its ISMAWeb portal, the NGO's mouthpiece. Political view of ISMA, just an NGO in the country has never been considered to represent the majority Malay in Malaysia as claimed by the controversial president. Abdullah Zaik remains adamant and recalcitrant despite numerous police reports lodged against him and calls for him to be charged. In 2016, he was eventually charged under Sedition Act over his article, found guilty and sentenced with a mere RM2,000 fine or two years imprisonment. Challenges to proclaim Islamic State in Malaysia. On 26 December 2018, the organization launched a  petition which it believes as a path to promote and reaffirm goals of making Malaysia an "Islamic state", as evidential by said petition's slogan "Malaysia Negara Islam" ("Malaysia is an Islamic State"). The campaign sparked criticism and protest from significant groups including the moderate group of eminent ex-civil servants, G25 and military veterans association, Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (PATRIOT).