“PM: Religious festivals unite all Malaysians” is the New Straits Times headline today for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s statement yesterday at an Aidiladha ceremony, where he said:
“Malaysia can pride itself in knowing that regardless of what religious celebration it may be, its ethnic groups will come together as one to honour the event.”
This was very true in the early decades of our nationhood, but it has become less and less true as increasing religious polarization in the country is undermining and even threatening national unity.
In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that religious polarization is most serious in the past four years under Abdullah as Prime Minister as compared to the four former Prime Ministers – Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
It is most unfortunate that in recent years, there have been mounting instances of disrespect and insensitivity of those in power and authority for the rights and sensitivities of non-Muslim Malaysians.
The most serious example were the recent triple insensitivities during this year’s Deepavali – the Festival of Light celebrated by Hindus.
Firstly, there was the insensitive and sacrilegious demolition of the 40-year-old Sri Maha Mariaman Temple in Kampung Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam when Deepavali was just a week away.
This was followed by the disrespect and insensitivity when the Umno General Assembly was held on Deepavali – imagine the protest and outrage if the MCA or MIC had held their general assemblies during the Hari Raya holidays.
But there was a third strike – when Umno Deputy Youth Leader and the Prime Minister’s son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin went on a rampage against the Indian community at the Umno General Assembly, telecast on RTM, blaming the Indian news vendors for taking a national press holiday during Deepavali and blacking Abdullah’s speech as Umno President the next day.
The outrage by the Indian community at these triple disrespect and insensitivities were a major cause for 30,000 Indians from all over the country gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 25 in support of the Hindraf demonstration – not to create unrest but to send their cry of despair at their marginalization to the government of the day!
Such insensitivity and disrespect could also be seen In Parliament, as in the shocking incident where two Umno MPs demanded the removal of the cross and demolition of Christian statues in mission schools.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is starting its new semester on Dec. 24, which is Christmas Eve – another example of decreasing respect and sensitivity from those in authority for different religious rights and practices, or the UPM would have fixed its semester opening a few days later.
The Prime Minister must take urgent measures to arrest the worsening of inter-religious relations in the country and halt the growing number of incidents of disrespect and insensitivity felt by non-Muslim Malaysians about their rights and religious practices by those in power and authority.
I have just received this SMS on another incident, viz:
“HERALD the weekly paper of the Catholic Church facing problem in renewing permit. Told not to have Bahasa section as condition for approval. All these years they had four sections – languages. BM to reach East Malaysians and youths educated in BM.”
The Prime Minister should immediately address these obstacles to greater national unity, so that Malaysia can revert to the previous position where religious polarization was a serious problem in nation-building so that religious festivals can continue to be an occasion to unite all Malaysians rather than divide them.
#1 by mickey01 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 8:00 am
Not only the Indians are grossly marginalised. Other races other than the Malays are in the same boat. A lot of discriminations, unfairness and gross injustices is happening in Msia. A lot of prophets and stories mentioned in the koran were also mentioned in the bible. Even today’s religious event was originated from the bible. Can the muslims be more origin for a while and not be a copycat? How to progress if we just know how to copy only?
#2 by DiaperHead on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 8:28 am
Hoi! Don’t say like that lar!
You don’t want to start a Jihad do you??
Muslims believe in the Old Testament in the Bible but not the New Testament. So same old prophets lar! To Muslims Jesus was a prophet and not son of God. Jews too believe Jesus was a good priest. They are still waiting for their Messiah after 2,000 years!
Go tell the Jews not to follow the Christian Bible! They believe in the same prophets of the Old Testament. Who is copying whom? The Christians copied the Jews?? Judaism is about 3,000 years old.
#3 by ktteokt on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 8:42 am
Today is Hari Raya Haji (Hari Korban) and you can see Muslims killing cattle publicly under trees. This is indeed so uncivilized.[deleted]
After all, you will get two human beings (one Muslim and the other a non-Muslim) and two poultry (meat of which is consumed by human beings) being engaged in the same act. Then how come one is banned and the other is not? Clearly religious and racial discrimination!
#4 by 2ndClassCitizen on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 8:46 am
I know of some people who are both indian muslims, and their children get bumi status… Does that mean that in order for their chilren to become bumis, all non-muslim just need to convert? What is the qualification to be a bumiputra? Is there a clear cut policy?
#5 by DiaperHead on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 8:59 am
Better than having a Jihadist cut your head off instead of the buffalo’s head!!
#6 by DiaperHead on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:01 am
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#7 by borrring on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:14 am
“Hmm, u know what? The real Muslim in Malaysia are rare. If you read what RPK has put up before you will realise that most of them are confused lot. They care more to pray 5 times a day than to be a better human being. The care about only superficial form, but not in depth principles and essence. So after years of suppression, suddenly you are given the option to change for the better or something different for a taste, dont you think it is logical for a person to want a change? sj”
To some extent, there’s some truth to that. I have muslim frens, who do not pray at all, and only will start to pray when they think it’s time to repent which is during the old age; but yet are very fanatic about the concept of “halal”. I mean they refuse to eat “fullmoon” cakes even it comes from a halal cake house just b’cos the packaging has some chinese writings on it. And even dress up more “sexily” than the non muslims.
And these so-called “pious” lot also say the worst things about other people. When something bad happens to a person they don’t like/hate, they will say, “Padanlah muka org tu.Itulah akibat nya kalau jahat”.
#8 by borrring on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:16 am
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#9 by mendela on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:21 am
The total numbers of Islamic fanatics is very small. The biggest problem we face here is majority of the moderate Muslims in Malaysia don’t stand up and say NO to them.
When nobody says NO, the fanatics will have their extreme ways in all things they say and do. And they become rules and regulations!
Moderate Muslims in Malaysian MUST grow up and stop all such abuses!
#10 by mendela on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:35 am
Over the years Malaysia sent many islamic scholars to Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, etc. to learn Islam.
Many of these Islamicis countries have different ways in teaching Islam. Some are really fanatics and some are moderate.
Once these sholars return to Malaysia, they will preach whatever they learnt from those countries. The saddest thing is nobody dare to say NO to the Islam scholars who have learnt all extreme teaching! Most Malays are very passive, they dare not to confront “authorities”. This is Malays’ culture and trait.
#11 by Libra2 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:40 am
mendela said , “majority of the moderate Muslims in Malaysia don’t stand up and say NO to them.”
Sorry I disagree.
The problem is NON-MUSLIMS who continue to support this regime despite the continuous curtailment on their religious rights.
The non-Muslim support is giving green light to what the UMNO led government to do as it pleases.
The more non-Muslims fear that they will lose out if they do not vote for BN is in fact to allow the regime to trample on your whatever little remaining rights you enjoy.
To those non-Muslim who have never voted or have been voting for BN, all I can say is SHAME ON YOU!
#12 by oknyua on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:42 am
Aerolancer, apparently you made some studies on Wahabism. For the sake of our other readers, it started in Arabia itself and for a period of time was generously sponsored a Mid-East Gov’t until later the movement turned against its benefactor. Until today, many forms of extremism could be traced back to Wahabism. Anyway that is another topic.
Printing Bibles in Bahasa is not an issue but the Muslim scholars prohibited the use of certain words (eg Allah), claiming it could confuse the Muslims in this country. In 1981 (I can’t pinpoint to the correct date) it was a hot issue. Christians were at a dilemma because out of the 2.5 million Sarawakians, half are Christians. A decision was made: We continue to use B Melayu & Indonesia Bibles, not for the purpose of defying, but failure of which means the end of Christianity in the State of Sarawak and Sabah. (In any case, we also thought the prison would be too small to accommodate around 2 million Christians in these 2 states). Again, that is another topic.
In regard to the thread at hand, it is the mixture of Politics and Religion that prompted the extremism and polarisation that we see. DarkHorse pointed correctly that religious polarisation actually started with… sadly DSAI during his ABIM days. TDM used his political position to counteract DSAI which only ended when they teamed up. When DSAI and TDM split, Christians literally tried to differentiate one from the other because they were just two sides of the same coin. Finally we “unofficially recognised TDM as the lesser of 2 evils.†TDM had never been kind to Christians, but neither was he unkind. In fact TDM was kind to Buddhist and Ling LS was rather busy opening one temple after another (He is rumoured to be a direct descendant of Christian migrant from Foo Chow province).
The present situation, everyone knows the slide and the inability of AAB to stop it. “mane, mane, takei, ufarsin†Daniel 5.25. That looks like it now.
#13 by k1980 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:54 am
The Flip-Flop Sleepwalking Chameleon
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/410324/the_fine_art_of_the_political_flipflop.html
A politician engages in a flip-flop for one of two reasons. First the politician will flip-flop if poll numbers concerning an issue suddenly take a shift toward the opposite of the original position. The trick is that in this age of the Internet and instant video, there is usually a clear record of a politician taking the opposite of the current position in recent memory….The other reason that a politician engages in the political art of the flip-flop is a desire to be all things to all people. This is a natural desire on the part of some politicians, as their instinct is to maximize their political support. Take any position on any issue and a politician will necessarily annoy a large part of the electorate.
#14 by madmix on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:56 am
What do you expect: Respect kafirs? Kafirs are Kafirs and are to be treated as laid down: Convert them, kill them or make them Dhimmis.
#15 by ktteokt on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:01 am
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#16 by takkan_hilang_india_didunia on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:03 am
Dear Malaysians,
When we vote in the next election, please vote for an educated politician or for a dedicated opposition. 50 years of cheats, nonsense,stupidity and taking other races for a free ride must be stopped. Malaysians, don’t be duped over and over again by the current iniative to form a “hal-ehwal department for non Malays” or something of that sort. UMNO will bring out all the tricks from their bags. DON’T FALL FOR THEM. Wake up. Wake up. Fight for your freedom, what are our worth without freedom? How will we answer our children in the future if they ask us “What have we done to combat the in-justice done by the government?”.
Don’t let your discontent subside. Think deeply. Never submit to injustice.
God bless Malaysia.
#17 by democrate on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:09 am
CPC leader Hu urges party to unite religious people
WATCH VIDEO
Source: CCTV.com | 12-20-2007 08:16
Special Report: 17th CPC National Congress
CPC leader Hu Jintao has been emphasizing the importance of promoting a harmonious relationship between different religions. At a senior Party meeting, he urged the participants to unite religious people around the party and the government.
At the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC presided over by General Secretary Hu Jintao, participants discussed how to strengthen work on religious affairs.
Hu Jintao, also China’s president said the proper management of religious issues will contribute to social stability and harmony, as well as speed up the process of building a moderately prosperous society. He told the participants that religions will exist in socialist society. He asked the participants to realize the complicated situation of the interacted relations between religion and politics, economy, culture and ethnicity.
The president pointed out that the 17th CPC National Congress urged implementing the CPC’s guiding policies on religion and encouraged people with religious beliefs to play an active role in the development of the economy and society. He said the Party and the government should fully carry out the concept of scientific development, stick to the CPC’s guiding policies on religion, and unite religious people with non-religious people to contribute to economic and social development.
President Hu Jintao has made three proposals to implement religious work under the new situation in China.
First, to stick to the Chinese Communist Party’s guiding policies on religious work, which stresses freedom in religious beliefs, respect for the law concerning religious affairs and perseverance in guiding religions to suit the situation of China’s socialism. People of all religions should be encouraged to play an active role in the country’s social development and work together for a harmonious society.
Hu also pointed out the top task in implementing the party’s religion policies is to unite the religious believers and carry out policies based on human interests. Hu says the party should unite religious people, show respect for them, and utilize their wisdom to realize the common target of making China a well-off society. He says the party should also care about the well being of the religious believers, especially the poor ones, and help them improve their living standards and make them feel cared about by the party and the central government.
Finally, the president called on the party to strengthen team building of religious personnel by selecting qualified religious groups with political knowledge and moral merits. This should help them enhance self-management under the law and guide them to play a positive and leading role in religious affairs. President Hu stressed all levels of government should continue to improve the party’s leadership in religious work to fulfill China’s strategic development.
Any comments ?
#18 by takkan_hilang_india_didunia on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:13 am
Dear Lim Kit Siang,
Hi there, I’m supposing that you’re the author for this article of polarisation. I’m not sure your credit given to Dr.Mahathir is justified. What effort did he take to curb the discrimination? He too, was behind the Malay agenda in every effort by the government. I like his vision, and I felt that he was the only one who could have stopped the NEP when it expired. But then he didn’t want the Malays to hate him forever. He may have been brave in the world scene but he too discriminated non Malays at home by not making the necesary changes under his premiership. At the end of the day, in my eyes he is another Malay opportunist.
God bless Malaysia.
#19 by Be fair on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:19 am
Come on guys,
show your powers in next year’s election. Don’t let them push us around for 5 more years. This is not a joke. Our lives are at stake here as well as our children’s lives and the life of people to come.
#20 by Bigjoe on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:32 am
I have to say that many things about how religion is handled in this country boggles my mind.
I don’t mean just the temple demolition or the non-BM bible.
I meant something like constitutional amendment in 1988 to make sure the Federal Court never rule on non-muslim and muslim affairs. Why the need to change it other than pure power struggle? Were there mass conversion of Malays into Muslims? Was there a lack of facilities or finance for Islam etc.? I never really get it. Even if Dr. M wanted to do Islamization why mess around with the constitution that we now know he did not really understand.
Then these temple demolition thing. You are in for religion and you can’t handle it properly and give fingers to minister? What is that all about?
Frankly, things sounds more like its out of control than a systematic program and that is why people are scared, suspicious and offended. Religious polarization is not just from intolerance but also a failure of minds…
#21 by cheng on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 11:00 am
This Malaysian dilemma is very interesting. Some people are scared of their own language. On one side, some people champion the use of Bahasa Malaysia, mendaulatkan bahasa kebangsaan kita !!! On the other side, some people is scared of the use of it. Now, thanks to Dr. M, people is using English in teaching Mathematics and Science. Wow ! The people can understand English now ! Next, the Bible can only be printed in Chinese and Tamil, maybe Punjabi, so it is OK for “others” to read the Bible. Then, there are more and more non-Chinese studying in Chinese schools. Close all the Chinese schools and ban the Chinese Bible. How about Japanese language ? Many people were sent by JPA to Japan under the Dasar Pandang ke Timur (Look East Policy). Damn, I think all those who went to Japan are now murtad ? Please, don’t be afraid of your own shadow.
I have a friend who is a convert. He told me that some people told him not the read the English translation (terjermahan) of the Quran. Itu Mat Salleh tak tepat punya. My friend asked those people, who do you think can translate the Quran better ? An Arab who is a native Arabic speaker and fluent in English, or those people at the Jabatan Perdana Menteri ? I guess the answer is Jabatan Perdana Menteri. What do you think ?
#22 by madmix on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 11:18 am
Cheng: The clergy from time immemorial has always wanted to hold power over the followers; so they want religious texts to be in a language that they alone will interpret. The followers will have to consult them for advice as they cannot understand the texts themselves. Hence no translations.
#23 by 1eyecls on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 11:47 am
i m sickenning of seeing UMNO reactions on every issues!
their cronies like MCA,MIC,GERAKAN,PPP,BERSATU,blablabla,the key sentence is’ SILENT IS GOLDEN! ‘
Our Corruption Index is going from bad to worst,no surprises cos all the CJs are their gang!
We dont hv to go to universities to watch,around our neighbourhoods,once the praying time is on,we’ll encounter traffic jams,sound interferences,time wastages………….who the hell dont get affected?if they hv a sense of religion tolerance,such issues wud not be so serious,at least cud b minimised!
#24 by 1eyecls on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 11:55 am
you noe wat is going to happen to all these imams?
read this story,you’ll noe:
a priest and a bus driver died together,God sent the driver to heaven,and the priest to hell!
the priest was very2 unhappy,but GOD told him:”the moment you pray,all the followers fell asleep,but when the driver starts the engine,everybody prays!”
#25 by sani on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 12:51 pm
YB
On this Holy day, i would seize the opportunity to wish all my Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya Korban.
As far as i am concern, there must be a separation between the state + “the church”. Religion should never be institutionalized as well.
When my children were born, i was force to declared them as Buddhist, since i am Chinese + an atheist then. How on earth do i know what faith they would like to subcribe to later?
Religion had cost many wars between brothers; Bosnians + Serbs, Jews + Palestians, Indians + Pakistanis, English + Irish, Sunnis + Shiaks, Catholics + Protestants etcs etcs.
I believe that Religion should teaches good to all man kind or you would be betraying God, no matter what brand of God you professes to.
#26 by sj on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 2:05 pm
“He told me that some people told him not the read the English translation (terjermahan) of the Quran. Itu Mat Salleh tak tepat punya.” by cheng
You know, it never dawns on them that, they can do cross reference and ask question on what is accurate translation and what is not accurate. They swallow all the crap spewed by the goverment and “que sera sera” for the rest of their live. If that is the case, I dont care what Dasar Pandang Ke Bulan or what not you have, you will never progress because you need people to think for you. Losers that is what I call.
#27 by k1980 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 2:43 pm
The real reason why “Mat salleh tak tepat punya”
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/john-wycliffe.html
John Wycliffe was well-known throughout Europe for his opposition to the teaching of the organized Church, which he believed to be contrary to the Bible. With the help of his followers, called the Lollards, and his assistant Purvey, and many other faithful scribes, Wycliffe produced dozens of English language manuscript copies of the scriptures. They were translated out of the Latin Vulgate, which was the only source text available to Wycliffe. The Pope was so infuriated by his teachings and his translation of the Bible into English, that 44 years after Wycliffe had died, he ordered the bones to be dug-up, crushed, and scattered in the river!
#28 by akarmalaysian on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 2:51 pm
forget abt wat this PM has said or wat hes gonna say.he always seems to forget wat hes talking abt and most probably he doesnt even knw wat hes talking abt.mostly now the issue of ketuanan melayu has gotten into some inviduals idiotic head so much that they dun even knw wat world they are living in.look at those so called leaders in our government today…none and not a single one has done anything outstanding to really make all malaysians proud…except wasting public funds to do unnecessary feats.and yet they can claim to the world their stupid achievements…and thinking they are so clever till they dun even knw they are just a laughing stock to the world.we knw its hard to please everyone at the same time…but whn so many people hv come out to show their discontentment out in the streets including the the lawyers…then thr must be something reslly wrong with the government today.we dun see such masses in the past.its only this one term this new leadership has taken over….with all the subsidies of fuel been cut off these 4 years…whr the hell has all the money gone to?millions gone to send just 1 man to space…and how much ar for the monsoon cup?…and how much hv all these idiots really pocketed?and most of the times these people will use religion and race to counter their disgusting pride…while their own people are made suckers.
#29 by Bigjoe on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 2:51 pm
I have spent many hollidays abroad, Christmas, Easter, All Saints Day, Good Friday in many Western countries , Deepavalli in India, Hanukah and Passover in Isreal, All sort of festivals in Taiwan, Japan.
In all these countries, they certaintly don’t have these open houses and other activities we have here. However, none of these countries also feature so heavily and dominance of news of politician activities during these occasion. Their hollidays are celebration of communities, family, friends, neigbours – a lot of which we don’t have in this country.
These pride of our festivals – a lof of it state or politically sponsored, I wonder how much would be if the state or politicians don’t get involved. Then we know how much these festivals we have are really worth it.
#30 by burn on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 3:20 pm
“I asked one Muslim why they object to pork being served at public functions and places where Muslim are present but allow beef (which Hindus and some Buddhists don’t consume) to be served at such functions.
His reply – beef is clean but pork is dirty. He side stepped the religious sensitivity issues and respect other people’s beliefs…”
it all boils down to mentality and the way they are being brought up and taught. i have friends, sharing same table to makan without any problem.
i have another friend, who took me straight to a chinese shop at taipan subang to order hokkien mee. i was stunt at first, but she being an open minded, say, this is food too, isn’t it! luckily she have darker skin, and wish that we speak english there while chit chatting, but sometimes bahasa pun terkeluar. even the tukang masak pun terbeliak mata! to her, it’s god given food.
then there’s another one, who love to eat ba kut teh, he love the oil fat meat… this is what i call, enjoy life while you still can.
#31 by Mr Born In Malaysia. on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 4:17 pm
In Penang on the 16/12/2007, during a meeting with the indian community leaders in his parlimentary constiuency of Kepala Batas, Abdullah said Malaysians should deal with one another respectfully and not hurl wild accusations and he could not afford to allow feelings of hatred to spread among the different communities.
In my opinion , the New Economy Policy (NEP) with quota system siding just the Malays which was introduced since 1970 by the government is the main cause of creating feelings of hatred to spread among the fifferent communities.
Imagine being a Malay ,Chinese or Indian who were together born in Malaysia the same year or day but the Chinese and indians grow up to know that they are graded as non-bumis as government say so and without the special rights the Malays are having but everyone who lives in Malaysia is contributing equally or paying the same percentage of taxes.
#32 by greenacre on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 4:33 pm
Malaysians not only polarized but also poles apart.
#33 by k1980 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 4:54 pm
The result of having corrupt politicians in power
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=945&Itemid=35
The government has approved the no-bid contract with Gamuda-MMC for RM 12.5 billion to double-track the country’s main north-south railway line, a 329 km run from the central city of Ipoh to the Thai border…..every family in Malaysia would have to shoulder an average burden of RM 2,500 to pay for this folly. If this money were spent for other purposes, the government could complete any one of the following feats:
Plant 1.2 million hectares of mature oil palm capable of generating annual revenues of RM 10 billion (5 million tons of palm oil @ RM 2,000 per ton), or
Build 400,000 low cost housing units, capable of housing to 2 million people, or
Establish 100 medium sized institutions of higher learning, capable of taking in 300,000 students for tertiary education, or
Build 1,200 km of expressways.
#34 by kanthanboy on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 5:06 pm
“I’m not a Christian but what is so wrong about priting the Bible in Bahasa? Perhaps they should elaborate more on that…â€noblepath
The Bible has been printed in more than 250 languages. Malaysian Government is declaring to the world that Bahasa is inadequate as a language for Bible translation. This UMNO government has shortchanged Bahasa. They are the real traitors of Bahasa Melayu.
#35 by kanthanboy on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 5:47 pm
“…Printing Bibles in Bahasa is not an issue but the Muslim scholars prohibited the use of certain words (eg Allah), claiming it could confuse the Muslims in this country…â€oknyua
Are these Muslim scholars trying to teach Christians how to translate the meaning of the Bible into Bahasa? If they don’t agree with the translation they are always welcomed to print another Bahasa version based on their understanding of the Bible. They can call it “Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka†version. Just like there are over 10 versions of English Bible. It is up to the people which version they prefer. If the shoe fits you, you wear it.
#36 by Jeffrey on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 6:20 pm
YB, Is there typo omission in last paragraph which should read “The Prime Minister should immediately address these obstacles to greater national unity, so that Malaysia can revert to the previous position where religious polarization was a (NOT SO?) serious problem in nation-building…�
[Jeffrey, thanks for pointing out the mistake. It should read: “The Prime Minister should immediately address these obstacles to greater national unity, so that Malaysia can revert to the previous position where religious polarization was not so serious a problem in nation-building…â€
This does not mean that the seeds of the serious religious polarisation today did not start with Mahathir's time - as Jeffrey has pointed out.
I should confess that for many months I have been having a problem with reading, especially the computer, and coupled with the pressure of time, discerning visitors will notice many mistakes on my posts. In fact, I have been wondering whether I should continue blogging because of the daily eye strain. I appreciate visitors for pointing out mistakes on the blog. -Kit]
Actually religious polarization was already serious problem in nation-building in the previous position if “previous position†refers to time of Mahathir’s administration : his policies of Islamisation for last 22 years contributed substantially to the polarization of the society on religious lines, as raised by Darkhorse and elaborated upon by oknyua in his postings at 09:42:5.
TDM knew Malaysia could not escape the winds of change blowing from Middle East arising from worldwide resurgence of fundamental political Islam started by Ayatollah Khomeini’s successful Iranian Revolution.
As UMNO’s main constituency was/is of a cultural identity inextricably tied up with religion, to ignore and not take pre-emptive measures against and to meet the challenge of this resurgence was to invite the prospects of losing political ground to Islamists rallied by PAS.
The strategy was to neutralize the resurgence by (1) competing against it in a state controlled way by infusing Islamic values into administration, pouring more state funds to build places of worship, encourage Islamic institutions like Islamic insurance and banking, promote Islamic education by establishing more religious schools and sending students abroad to take up religious studies and generally show solidarity with the world’s Islamic organisation and countries and counter Western rhetoric by championing international Islamic causes with the view to shoring up domestic support (here it is saying, what are you complaining about when I am committed to same cause and in fact doing more?); (i) co-opt Islamist advocates like Anwar Ibrahim to join the administration, so that they shared power so that they would defend the same side that buttered their bread and (iii) controlled repression against the most extreme expression of this resurgence that took to or evinced potential to deviate from mainstream religious values and to take to violence and militancy like in the case of the Memali/Ibrahim Libya, Al Al Arquam crackdowns and also incarcerating Jemaah Islamiya ‘s advocates and militants under the ISA.
Because many Islamists have joined the administration at all levels – in local councils, civil service, courts and other institutions etc in the last 20 years – it is natural that when interfacing with the multiracial public, a lot of friction is created when Islamic point of views and values are asserted by funamentalist inclined public servants which the other side will see it as infringing their constitutional rights including freedom to religion setting forth a self feeding cycle of polarization along religious lines.
Had a leader evinced a force of character and determination (as TDM to an extent did) to stem, telling off and curtail too exuberant and excessive expression of religious bigotry or over-zealotry, some semblance of restraint and ensuing peace could prevail but otherwise in the case of the opposite, when or if political authority is perceived to be wavering and playing to gallery, those with passionate beliefs to assert their religious agenda will do so without qualms, restraints and reservations.
This perception of weakness of ultimate political leadership, whether true or not, fans all sorts of assertions of power and advancement of separate or disparate agendas from different groups and these are not confined to just religious groups but also NGOs of all sorts of political shades and coloration, regardles whether their agendas are morally defensible or not (Hindraf is one such example as are other groups against Article 11!).
Everyone then becomes bold to launch their private agendas if they perceive the Center does not evince strength, will and capability to assert its will and hold things together and strike its course! :)
#37 by negarawan on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 7:42 pm
Now UMNO is trying to reserve the Malay language and the word “Allah” for Muslims only. UMNO is destroying the racial and religious cohesion and unity of this country by their sheer arrogance, ignorance, and corruption. Abdullah Badawi is a big liar and betrayer to the non-muslims and non-bumis. He doesn’t know what he is saying and he doesn’t mean whatever he says. Shame on you Badawi for allowing and promoting all these religious and racial extremism. I voted for you in the last GE and I thoroughly regret it now. My family and myself will not repeat the same mistake again, and in the future. We will not vote for a person who has lied and betrayed us, not once, but a thousand times.
#38 by Earshot on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:29 pm
With the case of the church weekly newsletter discussed last night, even if it is argued that the various Articles of Constitution and the array of Acts would deem the exclusion of the Bahasa Malaysia section as condition for approval of printing permit as justified, it is undeniable that religious tolerance, what more harmony, in the country is approaching the state of zilch.
Christians, if not all non-Muslims, are increasingly concerned of a not at all new but definitely worrying trend especially in the recent
acceleration of religious intolerance cases. What may have started as an innocuous removal of a cross in a school badge has
mutated to double standards in enforcing traffic regulations in the vicinity of mosques and churches to ‘body snatching’ to the destruction of Hindu temples to the Kudat case to the enforcing of language restriction in a church’s newsletter. Was it that rampant
say two or three decades ago? Will this eventually morph to ‘an encroachment beast’? I shudder at the thought of the ever-
mounting obstacles younger generations have to overcome for them to practise the religion of their choice.
Under darker clouds of doubt that this trend can be reversed, can Malaysians not expect worsening religious polarisation? Can Malaysians be proud when the leaders of the country proclaim Malaysia an exemplary case of religious tolerance?
By the way, undergrad2, the “Something tells me you’re not quite the layman you claim to be…..” is just a misplaced hunch; no innuendo or criticism intended here. I am just a plain old retiree and never went to law school.
#39 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 9:48 pm
Mahathir is a pathetic failure with promoting religious tolerance and freedom in this country.
Pak Lah merely made it worse by allowing “littlun napoleons” to have free sway under his hadhari program, interpreting things each in their own way. As in so many other areas, pak lah has simply lost control or was never in control in the first place. He is a great guy for mouthing plain-nothings and in delivering absolute-nothings when the crunch comes.
Najib said on prime-time TV that there is no need for a religious department for non-Muslim religions as they are not the official religions in Malaysia.
Questions:
1) Does this mean that the national budget for religion annually goes exclusively to Islamic activities only? (People’s perception – yes, it is).
2) Does this mean that all other religions will not get any support, financial and otherwise (eg. building approvals) from the authorities for their places of worship and religious activities?
3) PM says – OKT, SAmy, Dompok have always been in charge of Buddist, Hindu & Christian matters all along? Since when? This is latest news posy-Hindraf? Who were in charge of Buddist, Hindu, Christian affairs during TDM’s time? President of MCA, MIC and Dompok’s party? Are these religious societies or political parties? Are the Bahais taken care of by Gerakan and Sikkhism taken care of by PBS or what now? What about PAS and UMNO for Islam? DAP for Islam, Christainity and Buddists too? PKR for Islam, Buddihism, Christianity, Bahaism, Sikkhism et.al?
4) Shouldn’t we have a clear separation between state and religion? Let the private sector take care of religion and let the government run the secular matters. Mix spiritualism and secularism and we get a hotch-potch of spells depending who are the witches in the plays.
5) Is it possible for non-Muslims to make their contributions for religious purposes tax-deductible as they would like to support their own God or deities since they cannot depend on the government to feed their deities, so to speak? Is it possible for a non-Muslim to conscientiously object to their personal income taxes being used for Islamic affairs even though it is the official religion since to do so may “displease” their God since they are not Muslims? The issue is the “divide” between tolerance and overt support.
6) Is it also possible for the government to properly account for all their tax revenues so that Muslims will not be offended by having to use funds from sin taxes such as cigarettes, alcohol or gambling which are major tax contributors in this country? This is not impossible with modern digitization of data. It is also necessary because it is unconscionable for practising Muslims to be so offended by the government’s lack of sensitivity in this matter.
#40 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:26 pm
Duly noted.
#41 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:36 pm
It is apparent to all that the government is less tolerant of diversity especially post 9/11. The lack of religious tolerance has apparently become a serious issue.
The question is not so much whether it is wrong as it is how to stem the tide so to speak and regain what we as Malaysians had before and have now lost – religious tolerance and the approach to issues of diversity as a source of strength rather than weakness.
#42 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 20 December 2007 - 10:45 pm
“TDM knew Malaysia could not escape the winds of change blowing from Middle East arising ….” Jeffrey
So like the crafty and shrewd politician that he was (and still is) he rode on the winds of change! He drummed the beats of narrow Malay nationalism on his way up the political ladder just as he drummed the beats of multiculturalism and pluralism on his way out.
Talk about Indians being opportunists. Isn’t he part Indian?
#43 by Yong Chee keong on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 12:32 am
Surprising to read about the Catholic paper, HERALD. In which country will you find a government trying to suppress its own National Language. Is it because of the use of the word Allah?
I studied in two different schools in Selangor and every week we were required to sing the State Anthem which has the word Allah in its lyrics. Have I been mistaken all along that this refers only to the God of the Muslims? Or is there more than one God?
When I was studying overseas, I lived in a Hostel with students from all over the world, of various ethnic origins and religious backgrounds. Those from the Middle East whether Christians or Muslims would greet each other “Allahuakbar” when they see each other in the morning (a kind of Good morning).
Can a government take control or restrict the use of a language? After all, Allah is an Arabic word (not BM) that existed even before Islam appeared on the face of the earth. Our country will be the laughing stock of the world, even Islamic countries.
#44 by KS R on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 12:35 am
Today onwards everyone should or write letters to the Government department in Chinese, Tamil or English language. Because if you write in Bahasa your permit will not be approved or the person sitting do not know how to read bahasa. What is the
MIC, MCA and other small kunci party doing. PM should pull up his socks and do not place uncivilized or uneducated monkey sitting in the department who could not difference shade the Good the Bad and the ugly.
Bayar under table sahajalah semua lulus
#45 by HJ Angus on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 1:54 am
In the good old days, it seems religious leaders got on well with state rulers until the politicians got round to using religion to further their aims like proclaiming Malaysia to be an “Islamic nation”
If you come to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in JB there are 2 plaques, in Chinese and English, presented by the late Sultan Iskandar to honor a foreign priest.
Sadly things appear to be getting worse and not better with “Civilisational Islam” when discussions by the Section 11 Group were banned.
http://malaysiawatch3.blogspot.com/2007/12/all-we-want-for-christmas.html
#46 by AhPek on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 2:39 am
This mamak is a great chameleon and has a forked tongue second to none.And indeed this opportunist on his way up the political ladder presents himself more Malay than a Malay!
#47 by aerolancer on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 3:37 am
Dear democrat, if what your quotation is true to its words, then it is the most florid speech in saying “Ignore the concept of democracy. Politically controlled religious understanding is a must in China. We want you to work hard to contribute to the wellbeing of the elite social economic group� Perhaps it is their way of stating their handling in the recent interference in Tibet and the unconventional view of Chinese Catholicism by the Vatican.
#48 by DiaperHead on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 6:57 am
It is time to drop all references to religion from the Constitution – or die trying!
#49 by laifoong on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 7:22 am
i love life too much. i’m not dying for that crap!
#50 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 December 2007 - 8:22 am
“…//…In fact, I have been wondering whether I should continue blogging because of the daily eye strain…//..†– YB Kit.
You may or may not be joking about this “wondering†but your mere mention of its possibility is disconcerting enough to many regular visitors/readers/supporters and prolific contributors of this blog – Undergrad2 for example – wondering whether if and when that happens, whether it might also be time for them to visit and consult a psychiatrist to see how to address the related withdrawal symptoms of blog/internet/computer addiction!