Islamic Ethics in Governing Modern Biotechnology in Malaysia

摘要

The development of modern biotechnology has increased rapidly. In the 8th and 9th Malaysia Plan (RMK-8 and RMK-9), the Malaysian government has endorsed the use of modern biotechnology technologies especially in genetic engineering techniques to improve the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, this technology with both its risks and benefits are strongly debated by many consumers, environmental groups and some scientists who have warned Malaysia to be more careful before implementing it in Malaysia. Because of that, some parties suggested that the government should draft an Islamic code of ethics to guide the development of biotechnology in Malaysia. To draft an Islamic code of ethics in modern biotechnology, specific policies from the verses of al Quran and quotations from Sunnah must be referred to. Since modern biotechnology is a contemporary issue that may not have any direct explanation in al Quran and Sunnah, other Islamic sources like ijmak should also be taken into account when drawing up this code of ethics. To strengthen the code, the use of Qawaid Fiqhiyyah is useful and relevant to achieve the objective of Syariah (Maqasid Syariah). In this paper, these Islamic sources which can provide solutions to this issue will be discussed.