YOURSAY ‘Why are so-called Muslim experts so afraid of debate?’

Dr M under fire for backing controversial scholar

Proarte: We must give credit where it is due. The issue is not whether former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has endorsed controversial scholar Kassim Ahmad but whether Kassim's views have any merit. Why not debate his views in an open forum and let those who disagree present their arguments?

Why are so-called Muslim experts so afraid of debate? I suspect that they have no sound arguments or confidence to challenge Kassim.

If we all sit back and take a deep breath and not be influenced or prejudiced by the fact the Mahathir is involved in this debate, we will realise that those who oppose Kassim Ahmad actually do not believe in freedom of speech or intellectual debate.

We talk about 'reformasi' and freedom of speech and freedom of religion but then behave like the Taliban. Shame on you guys as Mahathir has exposed your hypocrisy.

What does Anwar Ibrahim have to say about Kassim's views? The answer is cowardly silence. He will have no qualms about playing the Taliban and betraying democracy whilst shouting 'reformasi'.

Toonarmy: Note the deafening silence from those pork-and-chicken throwing Perkasa, Pekida, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), Jalur Tiga (Jati), Islamic Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) and those ‘Malays’ from Penang.

Had Anwar said that, you can be sure these pork-and-chicken throwing scum of society will be killing chickens and smearing blood on posters with seditious messages.

Dizzer: Dr M is not going to cease being 'stubborn' (he'll be 89 in July). It always seemed to me that one of the strengths of Islam (compared to the corrupt, sclerotic clergy of pre-reformation Christianity) was that there was no priestly class.

The clergy of pre-reformation Christianity monopolised the interpretation of the Bible until the 16/17th centuries - hence all the man-made nonsense of Catholicism.

Religions are dangerous enough on their own, but when controlled by a self-appointed caste they become much more so.

Whatsup: This wily old fox is up to no good. He's not opening another front for no reason. Don't be naively deceived by him. Let's wait and see how this is played out.

Single Malt: Mahathir will once again say he cannot remember having said anything because of his age or he may say he is misquoted.

Perkasa’s Ibrahim Ali and gang will come to his defence. When it concerns Anwar, he has got an elephant's memory. A congenital hypocrite who has hoodwinked the Malays.

Armageddon: There was one minister who accused a PAS leader of being a member of the Shiites. And if one thinks carefully, Kassim's belief sounds like Shiism. Why is that minister so quiet?

Trublumalaysian: How can our Islamic religious scholars come out with a definite stand when they already have been neutered by Dr M himself?

Ipohcrite: It’s strange that Perkasa and Isma don't consider Mahathir and Kassim Ahmad as being a threat to Islam and Muslims with their controversial views on Islam and yet, could somehow contrive something out of nothing to vilify others like DAP leaders Teresa Kok and Lim Guan Eng.

The Kassim Ahmad thinking norm

Chuck: In Malaysia, Islam is being used as a tool to exert political control of this country. In politics, the easiest way to control the masses who are not so smart is to use the "traditional thinking" method mentioned by the author.

This abuse of Islam is not only happening in Malaysia but in all countries where Muslims form the majority. To start scientific thinking, people (Muslim and non-Muslim included) must stop linking religion to politics because politics always corrupts religion.

Kuala Bear: What Kassim Ahmad said is intellectually sound. And it's not only true for Islam but all other religions as well. Organised religions have all been "secularised" with a heavy layer of human agenda added.

God needs no brokers, but we have many people claiming to be exclusive agents. This topic is sure to generate lots of controversy. What is curious is Mahathir's involvement. He is certainly not on a quest for spiritual truth.

Anak, Bangsa, Malaysia: Kassim Ahmad's thinking is right and must be encouraged. Malay Muslims in Malaysia are told what to do, how to behave, how to dress, what to eat and what not to eat, what not to drink, what to drink, and how to drink, where to work and what jobs to do.

They are being regulated in every way of their lives. It’s all about halal or haram .

They also can’t question the authorities like the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), which feel that they have the final truth in them - giving out edicts even for the simple Valentine’s Day celebration.

Why must one’s life be regulated, why not let it be free and come to embrace its belief/faith as the person grows in life in terms of understanding, wisdom and knowledge which faculties the Almighty has given to each human being?

It seems that in Malaysia the authorities behave like in this manner: “I am holier than thou. You listen to what I say." This view must change for the sake of Islam.

Fair Play: Depending on his or her inclination, one can draw any conclusion about the man, Kassim Ahmad and his line of reasoning.

But the one thing no one could dispute, without being biased, is his mental and independent reasoning ability.

A towering Malaysian could be anyone who would not allow his or her mind be shackled under any circumstances. Kassim Ahmad is such a Malaysian.

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