Another lost opportunity to address religious extremism

As largely anticipated, the debate between Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and Zamihan Mat Zin of Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Malaysia (Aswaja), has been called off on the eleventh hour.

The discerning Malaysian public, particularly the thinking Muslim constituencies are not amused, rather extremely baffled by the home minister's decision to call it off.

Let it be said again that the debate was least concerned as to who would finally be declared winner or loser; right or wrong. Similarly, it was no longer about who were first in levelling accusation.

That is a moot point, as much as it is frivolous.

But much to the chagrin of the public, is a lost opportunity to listen to the depth and breadth of the debate or discourse on the subject of "religious extremism in Malaysia".

The hope to be enlightened was again dashed by this decision.

The various connotations and practices of "religious extremism" as it is peculiar to and endemic in Malaysia, has again escaped the troubled Malaysians across the various ethnic, religious, cultural and political divides.

While no one could deny the potential threat from Isis (Daesh) ideology, another variant of religious extremism is equally virulent and potentially explosive in Malaysia.

The existence of a genre or variant of religious extremism, i.e., the ease and impunity with which individuals, right-wing organisations, even political parties and now, religious authorities, name-calling others as "Wahhabis", "liberals" and even "kafir" and "heretics" (sesat), is a Malaysian brand of religious extremism.

From that score, Zamihan's latest call for the establishment of a centre to counter the Isis threat is arguably valid, but misplaced.

The penchant for labelling those not in agreement with one’s conviction and practice is indeed both extremely regrettable and deplorable.

This religious tendency could very well tear apart the Muslim society in particular, and cause grievous disharmony in the nation as a whole.

That should have been be the crux of the debate; i.e., of whether such intolerant stance of managing differences and dissent is advocated by Islam.

Or is it, in actual fact, very opposed to the spirit and practice of tasaamuh (tolerance) as exemplified by earlier celebrated great Muslim jurists, even in the matters of differences in schools of jurisprudence or mazahib?

But why the illiberal and very rigid-narrow stance, typifying the Isis ideology right now in Malaysia?

Zamihan's accusations and the recent banning by the Johor Islamic Religious Department of some religious personalities to lecture in the state, illustrate the troubling form of an emerging religious extremism, as their teachings are regarded as deviant and not in tune with the Sunni school of thought.

Both Zamihan and the Minister in Prime Ministers Department, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, incidentally implored that the decision to call off the debate be respected.

But why must the decision be respected? On the contrary, the home minister owes an explanation to the entire rakyat.

The onus is now on him to urgently explain as to why the debate was called off. The cancellation has undoubtedly denied an opportunity to address the many issues of religious extremism and its serious untoward consequences if left unattended and worse still, perceived as being promoted and defended.

More importantly, could the prime minister and his deputy promise a better Malaysia that will keep religious extremism and narrow sectarianism at bay?

Could they ensure that religious authorities embody the much avowed "wasatiyyah" of Putrajaya?

True Wasatiyyah enhances and endears the brotherhood of man and of believers. Unfortunately, the state of both ethnic and religious divides witnessed in Malaysia is extremely alarming and potentially explosive.

Empty rhetoric without true embodiment breeds contempt and distrust. – February 22, 2016.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.