RANDAU PAK-KOPI : WAHHABISM

Some members of AOG (“A-One-Group”) met again as usual during yesterday’s mid-Saturday morning for “randau pak-kopi” (or coffee-shop talk) down town in BDC shopping complex. The “randau pak-kopi” was typical socializing time to keep in touch and abreast with some recent news and events which seemed and might generate adverse effects on national security, politics and economy of the country.

Alberto (not his real name) said he read about Khary Jamaluddin's comment in ‘The Malaysian Insider’ about Wahhabism in Malaysia. In making particular reference to ‘The Malaysian Insider’ (dated 30^th July 2011), Alberto read (from the print out) and said:

(i)      “...that Putrajaya had ruled out Wahhabism as a national security threat, and that Saudi Arabia did not propagate any violence in Malaysia through the teaching.”

(ii)    “...that the NSC (National Security Council) has decided that while the practice of Wahhabism does exist in the country, but it does not pose any immediate security threat.”

(iii)  “...that Malaysia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has been affected following the threat of Wahhabism being linked to the Arab country.”

Julio (not his real name) commented:

“With its admission about the existence and practice of Wahhabism, the National Secuurity Council  had been very watchful in ensuring that the movement would not pose threat to the national security. The assurance came with relief under the current situation. Nonetheless, chains of current and future events in Saudi Arabia might have some influences since Wahhabism in Malaysia had its origin from Saudi Arabia..... the connection is undeniably natural.......Although the subject matter of Wahhabism is very Islamic in nature, Malaysian authority need to consider and make efforts to explain the matter to the non-Muslim-Malaysians who are ignorant......It is because  security threats are conceren of all peace-loving Malaysians.............


For example in the old days, the authority went all out to fight communism as the enemy of democracy-loving citizens by telling and educating the public (irrespective of religions, races, and political affiliations) about the menace of subversive and militant communism in propagating communist ideologies using “The Red Book” (or “The Thoughts of Mao Tze-Tung”) through CUF (Communist United Front) organizations and activities, AND supported by militancy through tactical-war-ideology termed as: “Power Grows From Barrels of Guns."

Antonio cautioned the group that Wahhabism cannot and should not be equated with Communism.....The first one being religious in nature while the second one was being political in nature... But the use of militancy knows no bound between religions and politics.

Earnesto (not his real name) said:

“We must not say anything about religion of others that we do not know ....... Friends! Remember the saying: Do not trouble trouble until trouble troubles you! ...Do not ask for trouble , lah!”

Antonio butted in:

“What..Earnseto? Are you saying that you should not be bothered about something that may and will trouble UNTIL the trouble comes and affects you? When it does happen it is too late ......... Do not be negative and passive, lah! .... I do agree with Julio..... We need to be well informed ... But who is going to tell or explain to us and .... I strongly supported the proposal made by Julio to request the Government and/or YBs to take the initiative.....especially so in creating awareness among the unassuming and ignorant rural folks ... in longhouses. ”

Alberto said:

“We’re educated people. Do we’ve to wait for the Government or YBs to explain such matter openly as they normally do so on matters against their political opponents in TV and their-controlled newspapers and media.........


There are other sources of information such as alternative internet news and media....... to deepen and balance what we already know........  There are some people out there who preferred that we know less than them so that we become victims of ignorance by our own inactiivity or passivity...... .”

 Sharing my thought on the above

Seen in the context of “people first” in tandem with 1Malaysia Concept, it is appropriate for the people-caring government to take corrective steps toward educating people on the subject matter as it may become menace and poses security threats.