Essam Talima, a Muslim Brotherhood (MB) leader abroad, demanded amending the bylaws of the group and defining the powers of the Guidance Bureau members. He also hoped to allow choosing the group leader from the Arab countries, as the bylaws say he should be Egyptian. Talima told al-Masry al-Youm the bylaws have flaws that must change, particularly that a member may not contest his dismissal, which he considers a consolidation of tyranny within the group.
He also said that there is confusion between the civil and the military structure of the group, the latter being cruel and ruthless as it demands obedience without objection.
He pointed out that the group's mission is civilian and not military, and that obedience without objection makes of the group members abroad mere puppets without a say, warning that the military stiffness opens the door for secret activity.
Saad Al-Husseini, a member of the Guidance Bureau, for his part said the bylaws that govern MB Egypt have not been changed since the fifties, whereas those governing the group members abroad were changed in 1994, defining two terms only for the guide. As to the reasons why the bylaws were not changed, Husseini said because it would require that the group's Shura Council convene, which may prompt the regime to arrest its members. Dr. Ammar Ali Hassan, a researcher on Islamic movements, said these demands are positive and necessary.
