Last week’s Parramatta shooting outside the NSW Police headquarters, where gunman Farhad Jabar, 15, fatally shot Curtis Cheng, 58, has stirred up debate about radicalisation of youths in Australia, after it was revealed that Jabar had been radicalised and his attacked was linked to terrorism.
In response, Australian Muslim leaders have gathered to condemn his actions, including the Australian Grand Mufti Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed.
Speaking through a translator to media today, he condemned any form of terrorist actives, calling on anyone who supported the shooting to “stop messing with Australia.”
“It’s not just a religious problem that may have led to these things,” he said. “It’s a religious idealogical, social and other factors, that may have contributed to this kind of motivations.”
The thing is, he *also* spoke about the need for “proper communication between the families and the community and us,” and that the Australian Muslim leaders believe “that dialogue is the prerequisite of understanding.“
‘Grand Mufti’ urges the “need for proper dialog” with wider community but he does not speak English despite living in Australia for 18 years
— Jason Morrison (@JasonMorrisonAU) October 8, 2015
Someone in the press ask the Grand Mufti why he can’t speak English after being here in Oz all this time.
— Annie Sut (@AnnieSut2) October 8, 2015
Good idea for more and better dialogue between Muslims and Governemnt but it would be better if Grand Mufti learned to speak English ????
— Keith Bales (@keithstuartbal1) October 9, 2015
The Grand Mufti has lived in Australia for 18yrs and doesn’t speak English. That’s it in a nutshell really. #auspol #ParramattaShooting
— Leon (@creece_leon) October 8, 2015
Grand Mufti needs to learn to speak English if dialogue between Australain Govt and Muslims to proceed better and faster
— Keith Bales (@keithstuartbal1) October 9, 2015
The most powerful msg so far from the Grand Mufti of Australia is that he doesn’t speak english.
— anne teller (@RealMaatilda) October 8, 2015
Although Dr Mohammed has had no response to this backlash – valid, all things considered – he has spoken about his inability to speak English before, as this is not the first time it has caused controversy.
“The dialogue between generations is not restricted to one person, but the values have to be delivered by trusted channels,” he replied. “These channels consist of Imams who can speak English and Arabic well. I value the importance of language and although I may not speak English, I still have a lot to say and contribute. Language is more important than being able to say ‘good morning’ and ‘how are you?’.”
Malcolm Turnbull, while staying well clear of any ‘speak English’ commentary (which has racist connotations), has stressed the importance of condemning hate speech.
“Not all extremist talk – intolerant, hateful speech – not all of it leads to violence. But it’s where all violence begins. And we have to call it out. We have to call out the language, the examples of disrespect, the language of hatred wherever it is practised.”
Read his full Facebook post here:
Violent extremism is a challenge to the most fundamental Australian values. We are the most successful multicultural…
Posted by Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday, 8 October 2015
Image: Twitter.
