TPM's use of word

TPM's use of word
"Muslim"

From Koran Tempo

The decision made by a number of lawyers who call themselves
the Muslim Lawyers Team (TPM) to defend suspected terrorists is
controversial.

This is due to a number of reasons:

* The team is defending fellow Muslims, whose acts are
condemned by Muslims in general. Therefore, to use the term
"Muslim Lawyers" will hurt the feelings of Muslim people in
general.

* The appearance of TPM has proved that there are lawyers who
work unprofessionally because they adopt a policy that
prioritizes ism and interests. Lawyers should advocate regardless
of tribal, racial or religious backgrounds. TPM has clearly shown
that it has based its approach on a certain characteristic --
being Muslim.

* By naming itself TPM, the team has unwittingly sent out a
message suggesting that the perpetrators of terrorism are
Muslims. This will discredit Islam as a religion that brings
peace.

* Despite the fact that the suspects claimed what they did was
based on their belief, their claim has not necessarily been
accepted by Muslims in general. Therefore, the use of the term,
"Muslim", which is universally acknowledged by Muslims, cannot be
monopolized by a certain group or society alone, much less if the
group does not represent the majority.

Consequently, by using "Muslim" in TPM it can be inferred it
has deliberately tried to created disorder among Muslims.

For all these reasons, the defenders of the suspects have no
legitimacy at all in using the term "Muslim" in the name of the
team. They cannot be justified in using the word "Muslim" for any
action that would harm Islam.

DONALD PANJAITAN

Tangerang, Banten