Humbled by my ‘shallow’ knowledge about religion – I would in normal circumstances, refrain myself from getting involved in any argument or debate in relation to religion. I have never deviate from my belief that God is One and Incomparable. My purpose of existence is to love and serve God. I believed the creation of everything in this universe was brought into being by God’s sheer command, ”Be & So It Is”.
Fully aware of it’s sensitivity, I would always opt of being a listener rather than saying things I myself are not sure.
I am not against govt’s seriousness in combating religious deviations such as Shi’a, but I would be disappointed and saddened if it is politically motivated as it involves people’s religion and faith.
It must be carried out with prudence as not to cause confusion; anxiety and tension among the rakyat (people) particularly Malaysian Muslims.
When home minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi gave his authority to a minister in the prime minister’s department (in-charge of religious affairs) Jamil Baharom to act against Pas no.2, my assumption was that he must have had hard evidences (beyond reasonable doubt) to support his accusation, what more it’s about a person’s religious faith and worse, made it public even before an investigation is carried out.
Many people wonder how accusation of such magnitude is made at (of all places) an Umno party assembly by a person who was recently returned as party vice president.
While it’s not wrong to announce party/govt’s seriousness in fighting the spread of Shiitism, Ahmad Zahid’s mention of Pas no.2 raises concern of a politically motivated move. Combating religious deviations must apply to all level of Malaysian Muslims regardless of gender, position and even political affiliation.
The govt is duty-bound to curb and eradicate deviations, but it must not be seen selective and worse, using it as a tool to bring down political opponents, not also in gaining popularity within the party or govt.
10 Reasons Evidence Agaist Pas no.2
Having read the 10 reasons by KDN (Ministry of Home Affair) to implicate Pas no.2 Mohammad Sabu (also known Mat Sabu), makes me wonder if it can even stand in court.Nothing seems concrete other than a mere hearsay, blogger’s quote and the fact that Mat Sabu is a great admirer of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Home ministry secretary general Abdul Rahim Mohammad Radzi’s refusal to take question from journalists is suspected an indication of him realizing the fact that the prepared statement is less than convincing.
Many quarters see the evidences against Mat Sabu could be a sheer political attack against him and his party, Pas. Many also wonder as how the secretary general who is a public servant got himself entangled in a political attack against a leader of Umno’s foe.
People also wonder when the home ministry, in a twist of event was reported to have said, the onus is now on Mat Sabu to prove he has no link to Shi’a and urged him to come forward.
Now, is it not Ahmad Zahid who accuses Pas no.2 Mat sabu in an Umno assembly?
In respond to that, Mat Sabu was reported as saying, since he was accused; the burden of proof is with them.
The home ministry as if, giving Mat Sabu a show cause which can be construed – guilty until proven innocence. People expected the home ministry secretary general to have done more than that knowing this issue would receive public attention and scrutiny.
Malaysian Muslim Ties With Shiite Countries And It’s People.
First and foremost, Shiite countries like Iran has it’s embassy here. Malaysia also had trade relations wit Iran and last year alone, trade with Iran fetched US 1.5 billion in favour of Malaysia.On top of that, there are tens of thousands Iranians in this country including students in higher-learning institutions and universities.
These people are from countries that believed and practiced Shiitism. Are they not practicing it here? Are they not sharing what they believed and practiced with their local Muslim friends including the young students?
Forget not, some have even entered into marriages with the locals. How the home ministry and religious
authority would deal with that?
It’s also interesting to note that it was Ahmad Zahid the home minister who had voiced Malaysia’s readiness to broaden ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
A remark he made in a meeting with visiting Iranian foreign ministry director general for Asia Pacific, Rasoul Mohajer on July 23, 2013.
Based on evidences to implicate Mat Sabu, can Ahmad Zahid be accused of encouraging the spread of Shi’a?, accused of believer and admirer?
On August 5, 2013 former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad attended the inauguration of Iran’s newly elected president Hassan Rohani. Did his attendance means he is a pro-Shiite?.
Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali’s picture taken with the late Khomeini is in the internet. It was reported that he proudly showed his picture (in his youth) during an interview, not only with Khomeini but also with Fidel Castro of Cuba.
In similar conjecture, can Ibrahim Ali be investigated for possible believer, follower and admirer of Shi’a?. Many leaders from Umno and the opposition particularly Pas have visited Iran and other Shiite states and established ties be it personal, trade or political.
Can all of them be investigated for Shiitism?
Malaysia’s uncompromising approach against Shiitism could be offensive to Shiite countries and Shiites people all over the world. Handled recklessly, it could potentially constrain existing relations.
The fact that Saudi Arabia allowed pilgrims from Iran, Iraq, Bahrain (Shiite countries) and Shiites all over the world to perform their Umrah (little Haj) and Haj, Malaysia’s indifference in dealing with the Shi’a issue demand great caution and judgment.
Perhaps, Malsysia should petition Saudi Arabia to impose a restriction/ban on all Shiites from performing their Umrah and Haj. Would Ahmad Zahid or Jamil Baharom be Malaysian’s officials to carry out the task?
As it is about religious faith, it is more important to provide effective counseling rather than punishment.
Pas No.2, Mat Sabu.
Many are puzzled as to why Amad Zahid singled out Mat Sabu when there could be others too.Based on the 10 reasons (evidence) against him, people opined many could be prosecuted.
When they (home ministry) should have gathered more convincing evidences, many find it awkward for Ahmad Zahid to pre-empt it at (of all places) an Umno general assembly, making it looks politically motivated.
It has also led people to believe it is an Umno’s bid to break up Pas.
Should Mat Sabu be convicted or detained without trial based on evidences as lame as the 10 reasons evidence, Pas in particular and public in general would find it difficult to believe that the move is not politically motivated.
Some asked, is Umno embarking on a witch-hunt?
Only Umno leaders can answer this. Or, is it a personal attack by Ahmad Zahid on Mat Sabu?
Only Ahmad Zahid has the answer.
However, it was reported that there was an assault suit against Ahmad Zahid by a businessman Amir Bazli Abdullah where DAP Chairperson Karpal Singh is his lawyer. On December 5, 2013 his client failed to show-up in Shah Alam court, disappeared without a trace. It was said that Karpal Singh has sought Mat Sabu’s help to search his client. Whether there could be any connection here or not, only Ahmad Zahid knows. But people knew, he could use his powerful position as home minister to ‘scare’ Mat Sabu.
Since taking office as home minister after GE13, many felt Ahmad Zahid’s actions and statements have caused damages to Umno/BN’s popularity.
The Real Issue.
The issue is still Shiite/Shiitism, and the manner it’s going to be handled will make the difference.
People are still with the opinion that it is utterly ridiculous to charge a person over his/her religious faith in the absence of hard evidences.
In the case of Ayah Pin and Tuhan Harun (God Harun), their deviations are obvious which make the cases escape public scrutiny.
Now, even Prime Minister Najib paid homage to the Pope. Does that make him a Christian?
What Can Be The Best Solution?
Well, following are what I could think of –1- Cut diplomatic ties with all Shiite countries such as Iran, Iraq and Bahrain. Also Pakistan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Azerbaijan (significant minority Shiites).
2- Call back all Malaysian Muslims especially from Shiite countries including students.
3- Stop trade relations.
4- Deport all Shiites in Malaysia back to their country of origin.
5- Deregister all marriages between Malaysians and Shiites.
6- Provide effective counseling program.
The QUESTION.
Other than 6, can the govt do it? Or, willing and prepared to do it?
Hypothetically speaking, if indeed the above could be done; won’t there rise a need to do the same on other beliefs and teachings such as communism etc?
Won’t this put Malaysia in real challenging situation to world relations?
It is left to be seen as to how Umno/BN govt address the issue of Shiite/Shiitism, but it is important to ensure this debacle would not split the Muslims, particularly among the Malays.
With Umno singling out Mat Sabu/Pas, it would make the Umno/Pas so-called A United Malay Stand with Islam the foundation and binding factor difficult to even take off.
A Grade Evidences.
As if in the egg trade, Ahmad Zahid has been reported as saying they have more evidences against Mat Sabu which they categorized as A grade evidences, but would not make it public.It will be handed over to Jakim for them to act and that Ahmad Zahid would stop issuing/making statements.
KDN religious officer, Zamihan Mat Zain was reported to have said that there are individuals close to Mat Sabu who have indicated their readiness to become witnesses, if so requires.
Zamihan stressed that these individuals had witnessed whatever Mat Sabu have said and done in connection to Shiite activity.
He added KDN have pictures (though not many) and videos and had evidence Mat Sabu attended Shi’a seminars and have rapid meetings with Shiite top leaders overseas since the 90s era.
Now, the above is believed to be among the A grade evidences against Mat Sabu. Still – about pictures, videos and Shiite leaders which could put many Malaysians in the same situation including leaders from Umno.
As this is about Mat Sabu’s religious faith, it would be awfully sinful should the accusation turned out incorrect, orchestrated, with ulterior motives and they, all the accusers, will still have to answer to God.
We certainly do not want religious prosecutions to be used as political strategy to favour the ruling party.
The govt should not be hypocritical, arrogant and insensitive in dealing with religious deviations. More importantly, we do not want the issue of religious deviation be used as diversion of public attention to the numerous controversial issues that hit the nation.
Ahmad Zahid (home minister), KDN (ministry of home affair) and Jakim (Religious Authority) must adhere to the common practice in judicial system; a person is innocence until proven guilty. Thus, KDN’s Zamihan urging Mat Sabu to come forward and prove his innocence is inappropriate.
Religious authority must ensure they have concrete proofs before prosecuting Shi’a followers. There must also be confession by the accused relating to their belief other than credible witnesses to strengthen the prosecution. Forget not, it’s not difficult to get some people to take oath and become witnesses in prosecuting others.
Mat Sabu on the other hand, should finalise with his lawyers on his next course of action. If indeed, he is not a Shi’a, it is only wise to initiate a suit against Ahmad Zaid and others soonest possible.
Writer’s 14 QUESTIONS.
I would love to hear what could be the answers to my following questions.
1- The fact that Secretary general of home ministry who has read the 10 reasons prepared statement and not Ahmad Zahid himself, is that a face-saving for Ahmad Zahid by KDN?
2- Why Now?
KDN could have taken action since the 90s itsef, why no action.
3- IGP (Inspector General of Police) said, exposure by KDN about Shi’a is to create awareness as if left unchecked could turn into militant.
Why only Pas No.2 Mat Sabu?
4- Is the issue of Shi’a a diversion to people’s increasing concern over rise of living cost following recent spates of price hikes in consumer products and services?
5- KDN religious officer Zamihan Mat Zin has urged/challenged Mat Sabu to come forward to deny charges against him being a Shi’a. In court of law, the onus is on the home ministry to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mat Sabu is a Shiite.
Thus, what exactly Zamihan wants from Mat Sabu?.
6- Is Shiite issue used to destroy Pas?
7- Is Shiite issue used to break-up Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Pact)?.
8- Is the issue of Shiite an Umno’s political game/strategy using religion?.
9- Is Malaysia becoming a religion fascist state?
10- Among KDN’s sources of information includes statement by CN Afghani @ Zainol Ismail (a one-time close friend of Mat Sabu) who was sacked from Pas in the 80s. How credible are information and witnesses from people who were sacked by the party?
11- Minister in the prime minister’s dept. Jamil Baharom said, action towards Shi’a followers are not based on individual or party (political party), why Kedah Shi’a chief is not prosecuted and made public?
(It was reported that one of the main-stream newspapers was disappointed after approaching Kedah Shi’a chief to ascertain Mat Sabu’s involvement with Shi’a).
12- Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said, when he was deputy prime minister, he has visited Khomeini in the early 80s on his capacity of being the chairperson of ABIM (Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia). He asks, is that means he is a Shi’a? Then why not charge him?
13- Ahmad Zahid must have felt he is so powerful when giving a minister in the prime minister’s dept. Jamil Baharom an authority to detain Mat Sabu.
Doesn’t he know the authority to act against Syariah offenders lies in the hand of Majlis Agama Islam Negeri (State Islamic Religious Concil)?.
14- Ahamad Zaid said earlier evidence was B grade, now they have A grade – Why still no prosecution against Mat Sabu?.
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