ABIM Calls For 'Tabayyun', Fact-based Discourse On Global Energy Crisis

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- 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.

He added that Malaysia also needs a mature political culture based on factual accuracy, policy integrity and shared responsibility.

“In times of crisis, discipline in facts and intellectual honesty are no longer optional but fundamental requirements in national leadership.

“Indeed, the strength of the community lies in its ability to understand reality accurately, assess it fairly and act with full integrity,” he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang reminded Muslims not to continue allowing themselves to be deceived by various political and economic manoeuvres, including the issue of fuel price hikes which he claimed were unfounded.

The Marang Member of Parliament said there was no strong justification for raising fuel prices in Peninsular Malaysia, given that the country has its own petroleum resources and is not involved in international sanctions against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

In the current context, Ahmad Fahmi said energy issues cannot be separated from global realities and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, including disruptions along strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which have a direct impact on supply chains and global energy prices.

He said the situation affects economic stability as well as public well-being, and its impact is felt by many countries regardless of religious or political differences.

However, he said differences in views on government policies should not justify accusing the government of deception without economic analysis and verified facts, as this risks misleading the public and diverting attention from more substantive policy debates.

Ahmad Fahmi said the role of the opposition as a system of checks and balances is important, especially in an uncertain global environment, but it must be carried out responsibly by putting forward concrete policy proposals grounded in facts rather than mere rhetoric.

At the same time, he said the government must continue to strengthen policy communication in a transparent and consistent manner to ensure the effective implementation of targeted subsidies and to enhance national energy security.

He added that public discourse should focus on efforts to strengthen protection for vulnerable groups to ensure energy security, while maintaining a balance between public welfare and fiscal sustainability.

To face the challenges of a prolonged energy crisis, he also called on all parties, including the government, the opposition and the public, to strengthen the spirit of national unity as the foundation of the country’s resilience.

Meanwhile, PKR Bureau for Religious Understanding and Strengthening chairman Amidi Abdul Manan said that Abdul Hadi was mistaken in his reasoning when commenting on the global energy crisis and was attempting to mislead the public with his statement.

According to Amidi, the increase in global oil prices caused by shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a route for 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply, also affects the remaining 80 per cent of global oil supply that passes through other routes.

“It (the rise in global oil prices) is clearly linked to the volume of supply produced by oil-producing countries as well as rising operational costs.

“Media reports have indicated that a 30 per cent reduction in oil production by Gulf countries has had a significant impact on global oil supply. This situation has, in turn, driven up oil prices,” he said in a statement.

He added that failure to properly understand and assess a situation could lead to negative consequences.

“In this matter, Abdul Hadi is attempting to present the view that the increase in oil prices is the result of government mismanagement.

“In the end, this fuels hatred and anger that could undermine the country’s political stability, ultimately benefiting PAS’s narrow political interests,” he said.

-- BERNAMA