Egypt's powerful Muslim Brotherhood wants Islamic Shariah law to be the basis of the country's new constitution, and laws to be based on Islamic penal code.

The Brotherhood said that a country ruled by Shariah would not become a theocracy. President Mohammed Morsi comes from the Brotherhood.

The statement appeared to be an attempt to clarify the group's position toward the country's most contentious issue - the extent of Islamic influence in governance and legislation.

The 100-member Islamist-led panel tasked with drafting the new document has been facing heavy criticism, mostly from liberals who fear Islamization of Egypt through its work.

The constitution would be a key definer of Egypt's government and society after last year's overthrow of president Hosni Mubarak.

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