Ignorance is never bliss and this fact has yet to register with the 'outspoken' Mufti of Perak, Harussani Zakaria. A religious scholar, he has failed to display 'ihsan' or compassion, empathy and sensitvity on issues so fragile such as HIV/Aids, transexuality and condoms.

Having always reflected his inability to comprehend matters clearly, Harussani, one of the more 'popular' religious scholars, has, however, gone overboard with his mind bent on seeing that those who are HIV positive 'ethically' quarantined on an island.

It has come to the attention of some of us that this mufti through his department's website is trying to persuade the majority to concede with his suggestion of getting rid HIV+ people. With claims that the website is a way for the people to stay informed of the latest activities conducted by the department and a way to remind one another of the truth, the crafty Harussani has raised concern over how one should ethically utilise the information and communication technology (ICT).

One can only wonder what the Sultan of Perak who launched the above website on July 27, 2004, would have to say to this aspect of utilising ICT to the fullest. The fact that Harussani dared put his inhumane idea of isolating HIV+ people on his website speaks much of his inability to show compassion towards those suffering from this incurable disease.

To state that his website is a way of promoting ICT when the truth is otherwise does not speak well of this mufti. Using ICT for a personal agenda again shows that the mufti is not honest in wanting to propagate the use of technology.

Refusing to acknowledge the fact that people do have different sexual orientations and that HIV/Aids can be contracted in other ways besides sex has made us realise how shallow and inconsiderate the views held by Harussani are. Sadly, the bait placed by this mufti on his website has been 'bitten', with the majority of surfers agreeing with him that people with HIV be placed on an island. A case of monkey see, monkey do, Harussani's view has been accepted by a big number of people only by virtue of him being a mufti.

Now, this really is a crying shame for as a supposedly learned individual, the mufti should - via his website - be preaching tolerance and love for one another, not inciting people to become judgemental and harbour contempt for people with HIV/Aids.

Not astute

Keeping in mind his previous remarks on a host of issues, it bears clearly that sensitivity and understanding are two virtues foreign to Harussani. Otherwise, how could he outrightly condemn transsexuals and refuse to acknowledge the factors that lead to one being a transsexual or a homosexual?

Likewise his stand on government's move to distribute fee condoms and the needle exchange programme to combat the spread of HIV. Harussani is of the view that such approach would encourage illicit sex among people with HIV and that the distribution of needles would go on to encourage more people to inject themselves with drugs. His final words still rest on his call that those with HIV be quarantined to prevent them from posing a threat to society.

To want to ensure that moral values vis-a-vis religion are well-embraced by the people, especially the youngsters, is a noble effort but then this must never be at the expense of humanity in general. Having shown that he is far from being astute, Harussani could do himself and the people a favour, which is to keep mum if there is nothing constructive he can say about an issue at hand.

He should try not to emulate politicians by making statements because it is the easiest way to garner publicity. Perhaps the former president of Malaysian Aids Council Marina Mahathir was right in admitting that it was a mistake not to have trained the upper levels of the religious establishment on the issue of HIV/Aids.

It is very unfortunate that religious officials like Harussani have failed to set a good example by working with the non-governmental organisations and the government agencies in dealing with HIV/Aids.

It is time that Harussani realise and learn that he has to set a good example by being sensitive to the sentiments of fellow human beings. Being a learned scholar does not give one the authority to condemn and insult the other person, be it by way of one's conviction or belief in an issue.

To completely belittle the issue at hand and insist on one's view in spite of it being prejudiced one not only displays the lack of immaturity but also points to arrogance on the part of Harussani.

JJ RAY started her career with a mainstream publication. A non-conformist, she soon saw the barriers that went up whenever, through her writing, she tried to make the world a home for one and all.