By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A FORMER religious leader at Numan Haider’s Hallam mosque says his community has been under heightened stress since the 18-year-old Endeavour Hills man allegedly stabbed two police officers and was shot dead last Tuesday.
The former leader, who did not wish to be named, said he had no prior suspicions of Haider’s alleged interest in terrorist group ISIS.
Haider had been praying regularly at the mosque for the past year and a half, the former leader said.
“He was a very calm and quiet person who didn’t seem a danger to the community or anyone. There were no signs he would do something.
“What happened is confusing and shocking.
“The community is grieving for the whole family. The mother is devastated, the father confused but at this time we don’t talk about these things with them.
“For the grieving family who don’t really know what happened, how their son has been killed.”
The former leader said it was “difficult to say” if any other young men at the congregation had similar affiliations.
“I can’t tell if there’s symptoms but like any other community, our youth needs engagement.
“There needs to be programs to link them to the community so it doesn’t create this isolation and vacuum.
“I want this message to pose to the whole community: the Muslim community, we are part of the community and we are the same as any community in Australia – some of our youth have problems like any other community.
“Unfortunately our problems are linked to what’s going on around the world.”
The former leader said the “international silence” over the Gaza conflict last month was an example.
“When youth hear this, it may escalate the situation.”
Haider’s death is being investigated by the state coroner. Police say he repeatedly stabbed two police officers before one of the officers shot him outside Endeavour Hills police station about 7.40pm on Tuesday.
He was believed to have carried an ISIS flag and handed out pamphlets in Dandenong’s Palm Plaza the week before.
The former leader said the Muslim community feared repercussions like post 9-11 after widespread media coverage of the recent counter-terrorism raids in Sydney and Brisbane and Haider’s demise last week.
“They start to blame the religion. If something else happens with a non-Muslim, it’s not linked to religion.”
Muslims already experienced daily slights such as women ridiculed for their attire and school-children for eating Halal meat, he said.
“There is a lack of understanding from the other communities. An education process is necessary.”
The former leader said there was a “very good” meeting between Dandenong police and about 100 community leaders and members at the mosque last Wednesday.
He also praised Premier Denis Napthine’s response, stating the incident was about an individual not the Muslim faith.
Terror suspect had link to Dandenong, page 3.
