Perlis mufti Juanda Jaya has expressed disappointment with the rejection by religious scholar Uthman El-Muhammady to debate on the alleged links between certain local religious figures, Saudi Arabia, Wahabism and terrorists.

ti religio-corruption workshop 231105 muhammad 'uthman el-muhammady In a statement to the media today, Juanda said he had initially looked forward to the "dialogue" between Uthman ( left ) and other scholars purportedly the target of Uthman's ire and accusation that they posed a threat to national security.

Not long after a news portal reported Uthman as having expressed his willingness to participate in the dialogue, Juanda said he received an official letter from the former informing him of his decision against this participation.  

"We are always ready to receive him for a dialogue to hear his arguments.

dr juanda jaya perlis mufti candidate 081106 "Those who have been accused also want to hear the accusations from his own lips, especially if such a dialogue can take place in the presence of the National Security Council (NSC) and others so that they can also clarify the actual situation, particularly over (claims regarding) Saudi Arabia," said Juanda ( right ).

Islamic groups such as the Religious Scholars Association of Malaysia (PUM), Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) and Jamaah Islah Malaysia (Jim) had expressed their preference for such a dialogue in the hopes of resolving disputes, "not by way of stabs at the back", Juanda said.

As an “academician”, he added, Uthman should have nothing to fear in openly defending his views and ideas, which the former claimed have sown chaos in the country and shaken ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

“This issue is important and needs to be urgently solved, considering Muslims in Malaysia have many interests in terms of religion, politics, economics and social (ties) with Saudi Arabia.

“They (Saudi Arabia) will surely be asking why they are being accused of such things (terrorism) through official government channels, when the Malaysian government is constantly afforded the best ties with Saudi Arabia, compared with other countries,” Juanda said.

‘Check Uthman’s background’

In a tit-for-tat response to Uthman’s terrorism accusation, Juanda raised the issue of Kampung Tal Tujuh, insinuating that Uthman was somehow tied to an Islamic deviationist sect that has its roots in the village in Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

A report posted on the Fatwa Council’s official website cited interview excerpts with Uthman, who apparently admitted to have been a member of Kumpulan Tal Tujuh at one time but has since left the group on various religious and social grounds.

“I recommend that Jakim re-opens its study on the status of Kampung Tal Tujuh, which until today has been left hanging, after decades of studies and discussions, without any final word to say it (the sect) has links with several individuals in Malaysia.

“It is feared that the sect still influences the ideas and thoughts of some parties, considering that their presentation and ideas still hold a strong influence on certain personalities. This is important for our nation’s security,” Juanda said.

Following up on his own accusation against Uthman with another barb, Juanda said the days of blatant abuse of power without legal backing and “true justice” were over.

“Those who like to abuse power and the jurisdiction of the authorities must be investigated when they are found to be merely enjoy instigating to bring about instability in this country,” he added.