In a nation of the blind, we need more Wan Jis

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YOURSAY ‘So what if Jakim errs in a major way, is it seditious to point it out?’

 

Despite sedition probe, preacher hits out at Jakim

Kim Quek: Congratulations to preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin - not so much for correctly pointing out the errors of Jakim (Islamic Development Department Malaysia) as for speaking out honestly what he thinks is wrong with Jakim.

 

All is not well with the practice of Islam in this country, as exemplified by the fact that the majority of Muslims here think nothing wrong with prohibiting non-Muslims from using the word ‘Allah’ (as indicated in an opinion poll), while the rest of the 1.4 billion Muslim community thinks otherwise.

 

More Muslims must speak up like preacher Wan Ji, as frank and honest dialogue will help to bring more rationality to the practice of faith, which should be more in tune with the needs of contemporary living.                                                          

 

Malaysia Ku: They are just a mere civil service department. When have the mullahs make the department into a law unto itself?

 

And both the home minister and inspector-general of police (IGP) are bending backwards to perpetuate the mistaken belief that Jakim equates to the Quran itself. When have we arrive to this state?

 

PM Najib Razak, and he alone, is directly guilty for allowing this state of affairs to evolve in this country.

 

Basically: Jakim is a civil service department manned by ordinary mortals, and most important, draws their pay from the rakyat.

 

Lawyer Eric Paulsen, as a taxpayer, funds Jakim, so he like any of us, Muslim or not, have the right to question its practices. Just because they take care of Islamic affairs does not give them the protection of being God's chosen ones.

 

Our constitution protects Islam, not civil servants. In fact, it is in the interest of Islam that officers of Jakim do not spoil the religion's good name.

 

So what if Jakim errs in a major way, is it seditious to point it out? Or are we to believe and behave as if all Jakim's personnel, down to the cleaner and ‘jaga’ (security guards) at the office gate, are holy men?

 

Vgeorgemy: Indeed, as long as Jakim's budget is from taxpayers’ hard-earned monies, they must be subjected to rakyat's review of their performance. And their performance should be based on the accepted principles of Islamic laws and tradition.

 

Sali Tambap: I agree with Wan Ji on principle. Any government agency, whereby its personnel are paid by the revenue accrued from the rakyat, should not be above criticism from the rakyat.

 

When a government department is above criticism, then how could it improve on serving the rakyat? Criticism should serve as feedback and valid ones can be used for further improvement.

 

Paul Warren: Maybe they might consider my tax contribution, a non-Muslim, to be ‘jizya’ (tax imposed on non-Muslims). It’s like lord and slave so I understand why I cannot question them.

                                                           

But surely a fellow Muslim, who is entitled to the share of ‘jizya’, should be able to question Jakim, isn't it?

 

Oh Ya?: Now I am confused. I thought it is only seditious when other races talk about 3R (race, religion, royalty) and it is not seditious if the reverse happens, all because of their birth right.

 

Could the ruling elite please enlighten me how it could be seditious when the chosen race talks about 3R, unless they are using the sedition laws to oppress and suppress all dissidents, especially if they are from their own kind?

 

Negarawan: "This is because the views of an Islamic religious body can be right or wrong, but Islam is not wrong," said Wan Ji. Touche!

 

Proarte: Allah, the creator of the universe, cannot be reduced to a mere book. I think people should move away from reading books which came into being through human agency.

 

I think this limits the Creator by demeaning and reducing Allah to the writings of fallible humans. It is important that individuals come to have a personal relationship with their Creator if they believe in such a Being.

 

Let not Jakim or Umno speak for Allah. Let us come to know Allah in truth and sincerity from a personal relationship with Allah.

 

Unfortunately Wan Ji falls into the trap of being categorical when discussing matters of faith. One man's meat is another man's poison. Islam, ever since its creation, has always been used by the ruling elite to serve its interest.

 

Having Allah seemingly ordaining a ruler's governance through the religious organisations which the ruler himself controls is a powerful tool for consolidating power. How do the ruled argue or disagree with Allah?

 

It is clear Jakim is an organisation which serves its master's interest namely Umno, and therefore it is not independent. Islam in Malaysia was molded by the British to suit their colonial interests which essentially meant dividing and ruling.

 

Umno via Jakim, the royalty and the constitution which the British created, are continuing this time honoured modus operandi which has served the political and financial interests of the ruling elite exceptionally well.

 

Therefore, anyone who challenges Umno's proxies will face punitive consequences.

 

Sleepy: I believe all religions were initially intended to be personal so as to ‘touch’ one's moral compass. However it is being used for its influence over man, hence the many, varied, distorted and confusing interpretations.

 

As a personal thing I subscribe anything else I need convincing. Wan Ji, on this matter, is convincing.


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