Shaykh Ahmed ibn ‘Umar Bazmool – may Allaah preserve him said – :
The statement that the scholar is like the ruler and is to be advised in secret; there is no doubt that these statements are false.
By Allaah I have seen it from some of the people, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I have seen it from some of the Salafis I wouldn’t have mentioned it.
There are those who say this and spread it amongst the Salafis.
No; the scholar is from the citizens and if he errs openly then he is to be refuted openly, whether he is a major scholar or a student of knowledge.
Because the mistake is to be returned upon the one who says it no matter who it is, along with respect for the scholars.
As for the statement that the scholars or the major scholars are from those in authority and they are not to be advised except in secret, then I believe this to be from the results of the secret gatherings, the hidden meetings, and the Shooraa councils.
And there is no doubt that these gatherings have led to falsehood and evil.
From the lecture: The explanation of the narration of Ibn Mas’ood: How will you be when you are afflicted with Fitnah