#stop extremism

the known path of extremism

The amount of information we all have been exposed to in the last two years, is undoubtedly bigger than what we can remember. The Covid narrative have been changed many times, taking one more step into blind extremism every time. More importantly, the topic have become so politicized, that any attempt to create a real open conversation get blocked by the extreme gospel of each side. dividing the…

New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/12/15/25-eminent-malays-know/

'What do the 25 eminent Malays know?'

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15, 2014:

Controversial columnist Ridhuan Tee Abdullah has questioned what the 25 “eminent” Malays have done in their power to defend racial and religious rights.

In his latest column in Malay daily Sinar Harian, Tee also asked whether the 25 former civil servants and leaders, who recently signed an open letter to call for a stop to extremism in Malaysia and called for an open debate and discourse on Islamic law, understood what extremism meant.

“The 25 have claimed that they are moderate Muslims.

“Islam is not a moderate religion, but a fundamental one.

“Fundamental in the sense that a Muslim who truly understands and holds on to Islam, or makes Islam a way of life, not a Muslim by skin only,” he wrote.

Tee also said defending religion or racial rights was not extremism, but fundamentalism.

“Extremists are those who act blindly or spread deviant teachings.

“I would not dare accuse Perkasa or Isma as being extremists, although many do not like them.

“Always discuss and get close to these NGOs to understand them and their reality.”

Tee said fairness was important when it came to discussing about religion.

As far as the dialogue on religion was concerned, he did not  deny it was important, but questioned how far they understood the meaning of fairness.

“Are they (the 25 eminent figures) experts on legal and power limitations of religious institutions, as well as the administration of Islamic law in Malaysia?

“Were they also truly free from bribery? Were they involved in any NGOs after retirement?” he asked.

He added that the 25 should consult the “experts” appointed by the Prime Minister’s Department first before issuing statements on religion-related matters.

interview of johan galtung on democracy now