E-MAIL THIS LINK
To: 

Egypt: "We Do Not Need Any Democratic Change"
In an interview with Al-Ahram hebdo, Muhammad Moussa, chairman of the Legislative Commission of the Egyptian Assembly of the People (Parliament) and member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), stated that Egypt does not need democratic reform or revision of its political system. The following are excerpts from the interview:
Al-Ahram Hebdo: "Political reform is the watchword we hear in political circles. Do you think it is a necessary thing?"
Muhammad Moussa:"There is no reason for political reform in Egypt. Our country has adopted a political system similar to those of democratic countries all over the world. We have a constitution, an assembly of the people [parliament], a consultative council, an executive power, an independent judiciary power. What is meant by political reform? I would like to know the meaning of that phrase! What is its purpose? What is it we are lacking that we are asked to implement such reform?"
"Nope. Nope. Nothin' wrong with me. Many women tell me they find that thing growing out of my forehead attractive. And I think of it as a musky odor, not a stench..."
We have freedom and democracy based on elections that are monitored by the judiciary. The citizens are perfectly free to vote. Thus, the 2,000 elections took place under the supervision of judges in every voting commission. As for democratic culture, let me remind you that freedom of expression exists [in Egypt]. Every opinion is expressed in the national and opposition press. The national press isn't prevented from publishing critical views. We are granted political freedom as well as an effective parliament whose members represent almost all parties."
Taking this blather in conjunction with Mahathir's remarks, below, I'd say that true-believing Muslims simply can't grasp the idea of individual liberty. It's beyond their comprehension. They literally can't wrap their minds around the fact that the individual, doing what he damned well pleases, can be a good thing for everyone one, with the possible exception of the local mullahs.

Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-06-19
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=15651