He urged the police to carefully study the issue first before allowing such accusations to be made.
“We should not be so quick to label certain individuals that they are JI (members) or followers of Wahabism.
“This should be studied properly first. Otherwise, it sends the wrong message to the people,” he told reporters in Parliament today.
He added that those implicated in the allegations were not “strange characters” but were people who have been in highly-respected religious and political establishments.
It was reported that the deputy director of the Islamic training institute, ILIM Zamihan Mat Zin had linked former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, Perlis mufti Dr Juanda Jaya, PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and former Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to Wahabism and JI at a briefing for government officials.
“I hope the police or the Home Ministry will review this and ask themselves if they understand what is Wahabism and each individuals’ real stand,” said Khairy.
He added that it was not right for national security agencies to label parties as followers of Wahabism or JI.
“Of course we respect security issues but these are not terrorists. If they can be muftis or the mentri besar, do not tell me they are suddenly threats to national security. It does not make any sense,” he said.
Khairy pointed out that the JI threat had been in the country for a long time but at the same time, labelling people as terrorists was wrong.
“I have no doubt that there are security threats posed by transnational extremist organisations. No doubt about that.
“The threats existed since the 9/11 incident and beyond but to label people is wrong,” he said.
Asked if he agreed with PAS that the government was using the supposed terror threats in the country as a way to divert the people’s attention away from other issues of national concern, Khairy said:
“I do not agree with PAS. I do not think we are trying to create a climate of fear. We have to ensure that our borders are secure, that our country is secure.
“At the same time, labelling people is not right,” he said.
Khairy added that the issue should, however, not be linked to the rumours of Asri’s impending entry into Umno.
“That is a separate issue. We do not know if Asri wants to join Umno or not. That is speculation,” he said.