What influences the practice of cult groups?

Crime analyst Kamal Affendi Hashim believes it is the purpose of extremism as well as diversion of faith.

Speaking to Astro AWANI recently, he explained that the concept of extremism is usually used in a form of terrorism while diversion of faith is more geared to distort the faith of the true purpose and foundation of a religion.

“If we look at some of the world's cults such as Aum Shinrikyo in Japan, Al-Ma’unah in the early 2000s as well as the Imam Mahdi group during the early 80s in this country, they used religion as a mask to execute their extremist activities.

“This is different from cult groups which use faith diversion as the content of their teachings, for example, Ayah Pin’s Sky Kingdom, the teachings of Haji Kahar, Al-Arqam and many others,” said Kamal Affendi.

But what is similar between the two is that, followers of the groups will become obsessed and will do anything to satisfy their leader, he said.

“For the followers, anyone who is an enemy of their leader will be considered as their enemy too, and they are willing to do just about anything to win the heart of their leader,” he said.

He said, the acts of extremism committed by deviant sect followers can be divided into two subgroups.

“One, the followers will obey and do anything commanded by the leader.

“The other, the act is usually done solo, not influenced by anyone but carried out solely for a follower to impress the cult leader to show that he or she is the best,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, police said they have acquired the complete personal details and even address of the deviant ‘Tuhan Harun’ sect. The sect is believed to be behind the murder of Pahang Islamic Religious Department’s chief enforcement officer, Mohd Raffli Ab Malik on Nov 10.

Pahang CID chief, SAC Mohd Zakaria Ahmad told Astro AWANI that all information on the followers have been obtained by police via their investigation.

“Thus, once again we call on the members of this group to surrender themselves to assist police investigation,” Mohd Zakaria said.