By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Nov 5 — University students have been urged to not underestimate the issue of extremism on campus, so as to prevent the spread of deviant ideologies within higher education institutions.
State executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said students must also be firm in criticising, combating, and blocking such behaviour, as deviant teachings often begin with religious fanaticism.
Citing the followers of al-Arqam and Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), he said this extremism began with excessive veneration of leaders in learning about "fitan" (the end times).
This then branched into beliefs surrounding the re-emergence of Abuya alongside the Imam Mahdi, as well as child labour being used to supposedly strengthen the Islamic economy.
“Teachings like those of al-Qaeda and Daesh also started with extreme views, including accusations that Islamic leaders were not ruling by God's laws, which led them to kill their fellow Muslims.
“You (students) must be firm in criticising, combating, and blocking any such behaviours, including accusing Muslim peers who support different political ideologies of being un-Islamic,” Fahmi said.
He was speaking via a video recording at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Seminar on Understanding Extremism for college and university student leaders in the state today.
The councillor also urged students to avoid labelling as deviant any practices that scholars still debate and to refrain from fostering racial attitudes inappropriate for a multicultural country.
Active student involvement is essential in ensuring that educational institutions become centres for spreading authentic knowledge and rejecting harmful deviant beliefs.
“As student leaders, your responsibilities go beyond managing programmes; you should be role models in spreading good and rejecting wrongdoing, especially in addressing extremism.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring that the public is not influenced by enforcing strict laws and strengthening the understanding of the aqidah (principles) of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah,” Fahmi said.
[caption id="attachment_378540" align="aligncenter" width="962"]
Young attendees listening to state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah's video recording during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Seminar on Understanding Extremism for Selangor college and university student leaders, at the Mardhiyyah Hotel in Shah Alam, on November 5, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIASELANGOR[/caption]
