Dear Readers.

I refer to remarks on the word “Allah”. Malaysiatoday claimed that Malays are confused due to brainwashing by UMNO ulamak. I am not so sure about the allegation on brainwashing. Confused, maybe yes on understanding of Islam but as far as I know, no ulamak in UMNO stood that low.

Some segment of Malaysians are confused with race and religion. Malay, Chinese, Arabs , Indians are races. Islam, Christianity, etc are religions. As an example, several years ago, Malaysians often came across Arqam followers in flowing robe, green in colour.

They claimed to dress like Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are reminded in the Kuran that Prophet Muhammad is the best example for human to follow. But what these Arqam failed to realize that Prophet Muhammad was also an Arab. What he wore was an Arab dress, typical of 6th century .

If Prophet Muhammad dressed like an Arab , that was because he was an Arab. Cultural inclination is evident here. There is no such thing as a fixed Islamic dress. A Baju Melayu worn by Malay males during Hari Raya is as Islamic as a three piece suit by their Western counterparts in temperate climate. Islam allows cultural variety so long it complies with religious requirement.

My point is that race can sometimes be confused with religion. The above incidents shows how shallow the understanding of Islam by Arqam followers. What Muslims are urged to follow is not the dressing of Prophet Muhammad, but rather his character such as honesty, humility, mercy, wisdom, care for his subjects and high regards for women.

I myself would not take someone who dressed like that of Arqam followers as my employee.

As for Johari’s remark, I do not think he or UMNO tries to manipulate religion to win the election. Without that remarks, UMNO’s supremacy in Malaysian politics is unchallenged, at least in these few years to come. What the remarks implies is that he, like other mere mortals, can also make mistake. But certainly not to manipulate religion.

I am sure people of other communities also sometimes show how shallow the understanding on Malays by saying “Masuk Islam means masuk Melayu”. This is not a blame game situation. it just shows lack of understanding.

Dear Loh.

Many thanks for your remarks. Perhaps you still miss my point. My point is actually quite simple. Many of us are confused with religion and race, cultures.

Religion transcends political, cultural boundaries. Malay or any other races like Chinese, Arabs, Turkish tribe are not exclusive custodians of Islam just like Europeans are not the sole custodian of Christianity.

Johari made the mistake here. But certainly he is not trying to manipulate religion here. It just shows that he, being a mortal man, also make mistake just like you. You( and everybody else) can criticize him for his remarks or his point but do spare the insult on Malays or Islam or UMNO.

As Mr DJ said ” Empty vessel or newcomers to Islam…” Now there is no need for such remarks. Why ridicule a race for a mistake made by one man. Exactly this is the attitude that can be termed hostile. You expect people to have high regards on you but you are also hostile to them.

As for Malaysiatoday, it is up to you to accept reality. The very main reason why BN continue to maintain supremacy in Malaysian politics is actually quite simple. No opposition parties are able to emulate its tried and tested formula of political sharing.

BN continue to win due to vast majority( not necessarilry reflected here) of malaysians see it as the only coalition able to represent whole segments of Malaysia. To the Malays it is pointless to expect DAP to represent them when the party’s view often clashes with that of their interests. Hindraf was the latest proof. Instead of criticizing Hindraf for being extreme in its action, DAP seems to support a movement who has no qualm in depicting Malay, Islam in worst possible manner.

As for Chinese, they are not comfortable with PAS. Ask DAP. Its dalliance with PAS proved to be a disaster.

That does not mean I am denying existence of support for these 2 parties. What I am trying to say that overly simplistic view( aimed to discredit only) by remarks from people like Darkhorse shows denial of reality.

Dear Malaysiatoday.

Many thanks for your remarks. Perhaps this explanation will enlighten all of us. Muslims, just like believers of other faiths, of course believe Islam is the true religion. There is no denying on that.

However, Islam reminded Muslims the virtue of justice and fairness. Kuran also reminds Muslims not to mock the believe of other faiths “the same way you do not wish your faith in Me(Allah) mocked”. That itself is reminder by Allah in Kuran.

I fail to see the issue here. “Allah” is the word Muslim uses to identify the God according to their faith. In no way, such a ruling prohibits Christians from recognising Jesus as their God.

The intention is good. To prevent any comfusion as it involves the very foundation of both religions. As for my defence on UMNO, it is done in response to insulting remark asking me to back to kampung to mislead kampung people and baseless argument that ridicule UMNO relationship with MCA, MIC.

So, I just give the truth that is hard to accept. If UMNO is as accused, it had long time ago discarded these 2 parties. Even at independence, it controls 34 of 52 parliamentary seats. It is a matter of wanting to do it or not. But it respects the gentlemen agrrement with these 2 parties.

I mean no disrespect to anybody. As for claim that Najib claimed to kill Chinese, please enlighten me with your imaginary theory. As for your remarks that “non-bumi will never…” , perhap[s you should look at what we call “demography”.

Considering the fact that the Malays form the largest etnic group in Malaysia, naturally they have the most influence in politics. Similarly, In Singapore, the Chinese controls the politics.

There is nothing embarassing about such a fact.