EVER since the Earth Summit in Rio de Jan-eiro in 1992, Malaysia has been in the forefront of calls for bio-safety. In tackling the question of bio-safety, including food safety, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment established The Genetic Modification Advi-sory Committee or GMAC several years ago.
One of the roles played by GMAC is ensuring that risks associated with the use, handling and transfer of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) are identified and safely managed.
GMAC, formed within the framework of the National Committee of Biodiversity of the ministry, also acts as the Government’s adviser on matters relating to genetic-modification technology as well as its application.
More importantly, GMAC is responsible for the assessment of proposals on planned release of GMOs into the environment. So consumers can breathe easy in the knowledge that GMOs are not freely, easily and irresponsibly released into the environment.
All GMOs to be introduced into the environment must go through GMAC. Only when the committee is fully satisfied and convinced of their safety is the green light given.
Thus, the GMO regulation is strict in the country. The Government uses the “National Guidelines for the Release of GeneticallyModified Organisms into the Environment” as standard working procedure.
This guideline, launched in January 1997, serves as an assurance that Malaysia does not just let GMOs be released into the environ-ment or the market. Food safety is a sensitive subject, especially the matter of halal. So, when faced with new developments in science and technology, Muslims have to find a solution to any problem that may arise. This century has been dubbed as the Biotechnology Century, with many things previously found only in science fiction taking shape right in front of our eyes.
One of the issues to consider is genetically modified organisms, which lead to genetically-modified foods (GMF) dubbed Frankenfood by sceptics and opposers.
To help people understand the issue better, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) organised an expert consultation and workshop recently in Kuala Lumpur.
The programme attracted scientists and researchers from this field (in particular geneticists), Islamic scholars (including three mufti) and consumer associations.
It is a rare occasion when scientists and ulama sit together discussing a common issue.
We know that in Malaysia, when it comes to economic and financial matters, the ulama are usually consulted. Most financial institutions have a Syariah Advisory Council to ensure financial dealings are conducted within the framework of the Islamic code.
Perhaps it is time the scientific community too started to work hand-in-hand with Islamic scholars to ensure that the next step taken in R&D is in line with Islam.
One of the pertinent suggestions coming out of the meeting of minds between the scientists and ulama is that GMAC should have the ulama represented on it.
The inclusion of Islamic scholars would help in clarifying issues concerning GMOs and GMF as they arise.
What is important is that both sides the scientists and the ulama understand each other. It is essential that the ulama understand the processes and technicalities behind producing GMOs. At the same time, it is crucial for scientists to understand the Islamic point of view.
We are now faced with a barrage of GMOrelated issues and the viewpoint of Islamic scholars would be invaluable. Muslim scholars must be involved actively through committees such as GMAC. The ulama must also be aware of the latest trends in science and technology, in particular, biotechnology. Failure to do this would render the ulama irrelevant.
But first-hand involvement with scientists, would help the the ulama play an effective role in addressing many emerging issues and problems which require an Islamic input, so to speak, so that the ummah can make sense of the new world.
We cannot deny nor stop the march of sci-ence and technology. As a matter of fact, Islam encourages the development of new areas in knowledge. We have seen progress in genetic modification, gene mapping, cloning, bionics and many others. All this raises social, ethical and religious questions. That is why the involvement of Muslim scholars in directly addressing these issues is so essential.
We cannot afford to have scholars who are unaware of the rapid changes happening around him. In today’s borderless world where information and communication take place at blinding speed, it is imperative that Muslim scholars take an active role in addressing the issues at hand.
Today, it is well-nigh impossible for a person to master so many branches of knowledge. So the next best thing is to persuade masters of various disciplines to sit together and discuss common issues. And getting the ulama involved in GMAC is perhaps a good start.