Journalists must uphold their professional code of ethics in relation to fairness, truth and accuracy instead of publishing lies and slander about Ayah Pin, said a group of four followers.

This is because the public depends on truthful and accurate reports, and not a version that appears to have been concocted in collusion with parties that have a hidden agenda.

"Some reports are written and aired based on transparency and truth, but most of the print and electronic media have been publishing quite the opposite... reports shrouded in falsities," the group said in a letter of complaint to local media organisations.

"Such unprofessional action has created a lot of confusion and people have been cheated with inaccurate facts and manipulated false information. Journalists must be brave in telling the truth, with emphasis on the veracity and accuracy of the information obtained."

The signatories - Che Suhadi Jiman, Azli Karsani, Roslina Mohamad and Nor Hazam Md Rashid - stressed the importance of journalists' role in news-gathering and reporting, as this is instrumental in forming public opinion and shaping the mindset.

"The public wants to know about the goodness and truth that Ayah Pin and his followers are trying to convey. Why (else) would people of all races and religious belief be compelled to travel all the way to the commune (at Kampung Batu 13, Hulu Besut in Terengganu)?"

Copies of the letter were hand-delivered to all major Kuala Lumpur-based newspaper and television companies, and two human rights bodies on Monday.

Last month, the four had submitted complaints of rights violations to nine government agencies, and legal and human rights bodies.

Explanation provided

In the letter, which was also directed at Malay-Muslims, the four urged those who hated Ayah Pin and his followers to first study, research and understand the Quran with an open heart and to assist those in search of the truth to continue their journey in peace.

They cited Quranic verses, produced a detailed explanation of Islam and the meaning of its teaching as they understood it.

"Therefore, it is not wrong if we wish to share our experiences and tell the truth about the (Ayah Pin) issue and recent events from a wider perspective because we have a right to defend ourselves and our belief."

The letter, with the heading Tsunami dan jerebu - bencana alam atau peringatan Tuhan? (Tsunami and haze - environmental disaster or God's reminder?), made reference to the tsunami of Dec 26 last year and recent episodes of haze.

The signatories said both events should be taken as a reminder for people to re-evaluate their religious beliefs and practices.

They reiterated their belief based on visions that Ayah Pin was God's messenger on earth and God in the form of a human. The question was also posed as to what wrong they had done, followed by verses from the Quran to substantiate their claims of innocence.

Various chapters were included, with one on the facts of Islam and its interpretation, and original or 'pure' Islam described as being all-encompassing with equal respect for others regardless of colour or creed.

Ayah Pin, or Ariffin Mohammad, 65, was declared a Muslim deviant by the Terengganu religious authorities in December 1997. A fatwa (decree) accordingly prohibited the public from getting involved with him or his teachings.

More than 50 followers are awaiting trial on different dates for allegedly insulting the state religious authorities by violating the fatwa, possessing VCDs said to insult Islam, or for admitting to apostasy.

The letter-writers were among those charged yesterday with insulting the state religious authorities by violating the fatwa. If found guilty, they are liable to be fined a maximum RM3,000 or be jailed for up to two years jail, or both.

Ayah Pin, in several interviews with malaysiakini since last year, claimed to know of tens of thousands of followers based mainly in Malaysia and the surrounding region.