I applaud the actions taken by both Johor sultan and Selangor sultan against “loose cannon” preacher Zamihan Mat Zain.

It has been somewhat a protracted matter where so-called ustaz (preachers) have been given free license to preach and sow religious and racial hatred from the pulpit without repercussions.

The Johor sultan has instructed its state religious authority to stop dealing with the federal religious authority, Jakim (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) while the Selangor sultan has instructed the Selangor Islamic Council (Mais) to revoke the preaching credentials of Zamihan.

More often than not, such religious matters or issues in Malaysia are not properly dealt with. Often times, people who voice out their disagreement towards hate preaching and “holier-than-thou” attitude are shut down, given labels with ugly connotations such as “liberals”, “atheists”, “anti-Islam” and “pro-kafir” (pro-infidels). 

In this case, only after the interference of the sultans can rational voices speak out without fear of extreme backlash from these “holier-than-thou” preachers.

Growing radicalisation 

A recent issue also comes to mind – the controversial Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355).

An attempt to amend the Act was brought to the Parliament through a private members bill by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. There was an assumption that this move was fully backed by the ruling Umno federal government as shown by Federal Minister Jamil Khir Baharom and senior Umno ministers who were also seen at the forefront in “championing” the bill.

Numerous public rallies were organised and many religious institutions in the country were used to “educate” the public on the beauty of sharia implementation in this country.

More alarming was that these preachers were sending messages to Muslims in the country with a black or white ultimatum – accept the Act or you are anti-Islam. They are given free passes to preach in mosques and during Friday sermons where the preachers convey that people are good Muslims only if they accept the Act.

Blatantly heard in the sermons were words such as:

“Support the enactment or you will go to hell”

“Those MPs who defy the Act 355 decree is an enemy of Islam”

“Act 355 is the only road to sharia implementation in Malaysia”

This accept-it-or-else preaching is a form of coercion on the belief of Muslims in the country making the populace afraid that they will be labelled and perceived as a betrayer of Islam if they oppose such enactments.

Consequently, this sort of preaching has kept many rational thinking and moderate Muslims feeling marginalised. This has painted an idea that they have no place among the community if they do not agree with the messages and ideas.

No place for hate

Zamihan is merely one such preacher among many.

For years, he has spread his questionable teachings in mosques and events around the country. One can only wonder if he is protected by the higher authorities, granting him immunity and allowing him to do so freely without any fear of reprisals.

He has been employed by Jakim for so many years and at one point advised Bukit Aman on extremist teachings in the country.

Let’s take a look at the role of religious institutions in the country, particularly, the role of mosques. Is it right to allow such preachers to preach hate during their sermons? Should politics of disparity and divide be allowed in places of worship? This includes the question of political parties being given full power to misuse the mosques for their own political goals.

In finding these answers the great Muslim scholar, Rachid Ghanoushi opposed the abuse and misuse of mosques to further one’s political agenda. In doing so, vested messages are put forward in mosques filled not with unity but with subliminal messages of hate. For Ghanoushi, mosques are no place to preach such hatred and abuse.

Our country has produced thousands of young graduates from the Middle East; either from Al-Azhar in Cairo or Medina in Saudi Arabia or in countries such as Jordan, Yeman and Pakistan. They graduate and come back with the title of "ustaz", "sheikh" or "tuan guru".

What will happen to the country if such messages and preaching of Zamihan’s thinking became the mainstream preaching of such graduates?

Our beloved country is in need of much soul searching to protect the sanctity Islam and Muslims in the country. Islam is a religion of love, peace and harmony to the society and that includes the non-Muslims.

Islam does not belong to anyone regardless of individual, a particular political party or a certain religious body.

Islam is holistic to the whole of society and everyone has the same responsibility to spread the positive teachings of Islam regardless the difference in beliefs and background. Islam ensures the rights of other believers of different religion and beliefs; it does not discriminate and allows everyone to live in a fair and just society.

I hope the Malay rulers in our country continue championing moderation and tolerance in this multicultural and multi-religious country. I look forward to other voices of moderation in positions of power to come out and lend support.

To all peace loving Malaysians, let us stand up and unite to fight against these skewed and tainted preachers that sow divide in our beloved country.

SYED AZMAN SYED AHMAD NAWAWI is the Batu Buruk state assemblyperson and a former political science lecturer.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.