The Malaysian Insight

THE simple question is, why does Mujahid Yusof Rawa need to explain Malaysia’s Islamic model to anyone, especially controversial preacher Zakir Naik?

That was his explanation today after furore erupted over his meeting with the Indian preacher this past week, whom the de facto Islamic affairs minister has praised for his inspiring preaching.

“The meeting involved (explanations) on the model of Islam, rahmatan lil alamin and maqasid shariah, and how I could inform him on how the concepts are practised in Malaysia,” Mujahid said today.

Mujahid has come in for a lot of criticism from religious leaders and the public for posting on Facebook a picture of him meeting Zakir. In that post, Mujahid had written, “his experience in dakwah (preaching) throughout the world is an inspiration for us to continue preaching work”.

So, which is which? To get Zakir’s feedback or explain to him what is kosher in Malaysia?

At this point, it seems that Mujahid is confused. 

Why is he discussing the country’s Islamic model with a foreigner – a foreigner whose preaching methods are divisive and unsuitable for multi-religious Malaysia?

Was the meeting political? Do Mujahid and his friends believe that by taking this approach, they can reclaim some of the Malay vote from PAS/Umno?

They are mistaken.

This speaking through both sides of the mouth will only serve to alienate the voters who put them in power. All while still making Malay-Muslims wary of Mujahid and his cohorts.

Or perhaps they are seeking a return to the days when they were also-rans?

The reality is simple: Malaysia has to find its own way in faith and interfaith ties and does not need a minister to explain it to anyone – especially a preacher whose preaching is divisive and insulting to other faiths.

Leave it to the police to police Zakir. After all, the police are doing that to those who rant on social media. A man, whom no one in the country really knows, is jailed 10 years for a post insulting Islam but household names like Zakir get away for doing the same to other faiths.

If anything, Mujahid should just warn Zakir to toe the line, not describe his preaching as inspiring to Malaysians or to explain the Islamic model in the country.

The man can speak, so he can also read and understand Malaysia and not come between the various communities in the country without the need for any minister to remind him of this. – March 17, 2019.