Kuala lumpur: Islam encourages its followers not to be easily misled, and to uphold the principles of 'tabayyun' (verifying authenticity), fairness and knowledge in assessing information and leadership, said Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin. He said the use of strong or complex terms in public discourse when commenting on issues, including the global energy crisis that is also affecting Malaysia, must be grounded in verified facts and responsible analysis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Fahmi emphasized the need for Malaysia to adopt a mature political culture based on factual accuracy, policy integrity, and shared responsibility. He stated that in times of crisis, discipline in facts and intellectual honesty are fundamental requirements in national leadership. The community's strength lies in its ability to understand reality accurately, assess it fairly, and act with full integrity.
Yesterday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang reminded Muslims not to continue allowing themselves to be deceived by political and economic manoeuvres, including the issue of fuel price hikes, which he claimed were unfounded. The Marang Member of Parliament argued there was no strong justification for raising fuel prices in Peninsular Malaysia, considering the country's petroleum resources and lack of involvement in international sanctions against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, Ahmad Fahmi said energy issues are intertwined with global realities and geopolitical tensions in regions like West Asia, including disruptions along strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which impact supply chains and global energy prices. He noted that this situation affects economic stability and public well-being, impacting countries regardless of religious or political differences.
Ahmad Fahmi cautioned that differences in views on government policies should not lead to accusations of deception without economic analysis and verified facts, as this risks misleading the public and diverting attention from substantive policy debates. He stressed the importance of the opposition's role in providing checks and balances, urging them to propose concrete policy solutions grounded in facts rather than rhetoric.
Furthermore, Ahmad Fahmi urged the government to enhance policy communication transparently and consistently to ensure effective implementation of targeted subsidies and bolster national energy security. Public discourse should focus on strengthening protection for vulnerable groups, balancing public welfare with fiscal sustainability.
Meanwhile, PKR Bureau for Religious Understanding and Strengthening chairman Amidi Abdul Manan criticized Abdul Hadi's reasoning on the global energy crisis, accusing him of attempting to mislead the public. Amidi pointed out that the increase in global oil prices is linked to shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the global oil supply. Media reports indicate that a 30 per cent reduction in oil production by Gulf countries has significantly impacted supply, driving up prices.
Amidi warned that misinterpretation of the situation could lead to negative consequences, suggesting that Abdul Hadi's portrayal of oil price increases as government mismanagement could undermine political stability and serve PAS's political interests.