“The moment religious authorities invade the privacy of an individual, then there is no freedom and democracy,” he told FMT when contacted.

Zaid was responding to Deputy Minister (Religious Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Department, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who had yesterday said it was fine for Muslims to be liberal as long as it was kept within the confines of Islam.

Zaid explained that liberalism meant accepting the existence of a free environment, where people were free to make their own choices without interference from the authorities,“unless it concerns public order or national security.”

Zaid also pointed out that Asyraf’s statement did not make sense at all, adding the latter was being a “typical politician”.

“He wants to have a slice of the cake and eat it. He wants to sound liberal but he doesn’t at all.”

Zaid also pointed out that democracy was absent in the current situation as the context and rules of Islam were being dictated by the Islamic Affairs Division (under PM’s Department) and nobody could question it.

“If they had allowed freedom for democracy and choice, then of course you can have Islam and liberal ideas together.”