‘Fringe figure’ Abu Ousayd’s rhetoric ‘unhelpful’ after terror attack, says Chris Minns

NSW Premier Chris Minns has labelled a radical Islamic cleric a ‘fringe’ figure whose rhetoric after last Monday’s terror attack was ‘unhelpful’ as mainstream Muslim leaders repeated calls to reject division.

Abu Ousayd.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has labelled a radical Islamic cleric a “fringe” figure whose rhetoric after last Monday’s terror attack was “unhelpful” as mainstream Muslim leaders repeated calls to reject division.

On Tuesday, Mr Minns applauded the work of religious leaders after a 16-year-old boy ­allegedly stabbed Assyrian Christian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel in southwest Sydney, but criticised the “unhelpful” rhetoric from Abu Ousayd – also known as Wissam Haddad – at Bankstown’s Al Madina Dawah Centre.

“It’s unhelpful (his rhetoric) … We have to work together at community cohesion,” Mr Minns said.

Mr Ousayd said the bishop knew he was “antagonising” Muslims and was prepared to die for his words, but added that he did not condone the alleged ­attack by the boy, who has been charged with a terror offence.

He said the bishop’s comments about Islam would “anger” any Muslim, and he lashed mainstream Islamic leaders.

Mr Minns said “it’s important to acknowledge that the vast ­majority don’t adhere to a fringe religious figure”.

Faith NSW chief executive Murray Norman said with religious freedom came responsibility, and faith leaders were united against anyone sowing division.

“Anyone inciting division should be condemned, and we all stand together in our condemnation,” he said. “It’s important people look to (recognised) leaders, they’re who their community has recognised, and are connected with the government and other faiths.”

Premier Minns called those looking to sow division “unhelpful” after last Monday’s stabbing. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The Lebanese Muslim Association and Australian National Imams Council played key roles in helping quell tensions and condemned the attack. Both were targeted by Mr Ousayd for their willingness to work across faith lines and with the government.

“The only way to resolve (extremism of any form) is through dialogue,” LMA secretary Gamel Kheir said, adding the organisation had held five interfaith dialogues since the attack. “We continue to be proactive in the message that (all faiths) are united that extremism doesn’t represent any faith or community, or the vast majority.”

Mr Kheir said it was important to ensure “rogue elements” were ignored and never emerged from the fringes, pointing to the Cronulla Riots as an example of when extreme actors took the agenda from the majority. “We shouldn’t give them a platform to stoke the fire,” he said. “These people seek that platform, it’s key for us all not to give them that.”

ANIC’s legal affairs adviser, Bilal Rauf, said the body had developed a “strong relationship” with leaders across faiths and that last week was a “great example” of coming together to focus on “unity and social cohesion”.

Mr Rauf said ANIC would continue to distance itself from anyone sowing division.

NSW Premier Chris Minns meets with religious leaders last week. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Whether it’s individuals or politicians making statements that undermine social cohesion, they are all unhelpful,” he said.

“In moments of crisis, unity is vital and leaders play an important role in safeguarding and ­encouraging that unity.”

Mr Rauf said the community shared the concerns of the 16-year-old’s parents, who criticised the quick terror designation, saying their son had mental health issues that had been overlooked.

“The rushed approach to designating it as a religious terrorist event, even before discussions with the boy, was counter-productive,” he said, noting it was months before last year’s Wiembilla shootings were labelled a terror attack.

“Such a designation has multiple negative implications, which make the task of social cohesion harder.

“It created unnecessary distress, making religious leaders’ task more difficult.”

NSW Police have charged five people in relation to a riot after the stabbing while Bishop Emmanuel said he had forgiven the boy and people should act “Christ-like” instead of retaliating.