Harbi was probably the word of the week here in Malaysia. Everyone from politicians to the churches were adamant in condemning the Mufti of Pahang, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman. Even when the mufti said, harbi refers to those who are against Islam.
The fact of the matter is when Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi presented his private member’s bill on 26th of May this year, it was the non-Muslims that were against it. This interference in the Syariah courts is an oxymoron. Why would someone want to decide how others practice their religion?
Furthermore when it is in the jurisdiction of the Malay Kings, State Law and the Syariah courts. The amendment to the punishments under the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment has nothing to do with the non-Muslims.
Going against a bill that has nothing to do with any part of your life is apparently not seditious. One somehow needs to ponder on the meaning of “seditious” when it is presented. Apparently defining and outlining the enemies of Islam is seditious and when non-Muslims interfere in matters pertaining Islam it is not.
This is a very biased act indeed, only wrong when it comes to Muslims and Islam but not when it is said by people of other faith. What right does anyone have to interfere with something that has no concern with their activities? And why is it to define and label those who are clearly against Islam as “harbi” such a big issue.
Just to reiterate, those who go against Islam can basically be defined as “harbi”, however that does not necessitate taking up arms against them. In the modern context, those who go against Islam can do so in various ways. Via politics, media, campaigns etc. these act do not tantamount to use of arms neither is the use of arms against them justified in most cases.
One has to remember that the Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang once challenged the Malays to re-enact the May 13 riots and as it is has still not been charged. Is this remark not seditious? Clearly and openly calling for ethnic riots is not deemed seditious. Somehow or rather this is baffling and mind boggling.
People in general should seek to clarify the issue before deciding whether to love or hate someone. Truth mixed with falsehood is falsehood, falsehood added with no matter how much good is still falsehood.
Penulis
Rehan Ahmad Bin Jamaluddin Ahmad
President, Intellectual Wisdom Society
