Rejected by ST Forum
"Cult"
I refer to your stories written by Brendan Pereira in Kuala Lumpur and Leslie Lau in Sauk, Perak headlined "Cult group behind arms heist" and "Cars in heist traced to Islamic cult". In the report Tan Sri Norian Mai, the Malaysian Police Chief was quoted describing the people responsible as ""a spiritual group; in a way it is a cult,'' he added, noting that they mixed religious knowledge with black magic".
The Tan Sri said "in a way it is a cult". He did not say the group "is a cult". I note ST's rather sensational approach to journalism when it comes to the use of the word "cult". I suppose both Messrs Pereira and Lau felt it sufficient that the Tan Sri added that "they mixed religious knowledge with black magic" . The two journalist did not appear to clarify the Tan Sri's meaning of the word "cult" and proceeded to declare "Cult group behind arms heist" and "Cars in heist traced to Islamic cult" in their headlines. These headlines are inaccurate. There is a significant difference between speculating "in a way it is a cult" and actually declaring "it is a cult".
Also, I noticed the two reporters did not clarify the Malaysian Police official position on "black magic". What is the legal definition of "black magic" and under what law is it governed by? Is it a crime in Malaysia to practice "black magic"? Is there any other kind of magic?
There are at least 8 very different meanings to the word "cult" ranging from one being positive; some neutral; some negative; to one that is extremely negative. The word "cult" without careful definition in advance leads to confusion and misunderstanding. The word has in the past been used to concentrate public fear and hatred and depending on your system of values, may be irresponsible and immoral.
I would like to know what ST means when it uses the word "cult".
Lui Khang