Jan 30, p. 7
As pointed out by Azmi Sharom of University of Malaya in his dissertation (www.projectmalaysia.org), “at the crux of the problem facing plurality in Malaysia” are the twin issues of race and religion.
And its roots are found in the very constitution of Malaysia, which, in Azmi’s words, “was and is a strange creature that combines liberal democratic ideals and what can only be described as racially based preferential treatment”.
The Malaysian constitution stipulates that “Islam is the religion of the federation; but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony in any part of the federation.” Prior to Malaysia’s independence in 1957, it was the Alliance Party (later Barisan Nasional) – consisting of the United Malay National Organization (UMNO), the Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) and the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) – that had suggested the inclusion of this article.
It was, obviously, a shrewd political maneuver by UMNO to gain support from the Islamic groups, and blessed by its two partners. Such a move, however, did not make Malaysia an Islamic state.
The Alliance assured the Reid Commission, responsible for drafting the Malaysian constitution, that
“The observance of this principle shall not imply that the state is not a secular state.”
(By Anand Krishna, Jakarta)
Your comments:
A country which disavows its own constitution (the foundation of the state) will always be in a state of chaos.
Usman B
Kuala Lumpur
We are one family. Indonesia and Malaysia are siblings. Let’s not forget our roots, our culture. Peace to all.
Nino Graciano
Bekasi, West Java
This is very sad, just very sad. I hope the situation doesn’t get worse. I hope the Malaysians realize what mistakes they have made and can correct them.
Daeng Kandaga
Jakarta
Indonesia has the same problem. Indonesia has several advantages because our founding fathers such as Sukarno, Hatta, Sjahrir, Dewantoro, etc., fully realized that Indonesia should live in diversity and plurality, so they never compromised with those who were against the Unity in Diversity (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) and Pancasila state ideology.
However, the situation now is critical, since radicalism has started to tear us apart. Indonesia must turn back to our own culture. Live in the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and Pancasila.
Haryadi
Bandung
Being an Indonesian living in Australia, I have befriended several Malaysians these past few years. I understand that your article is sound, and – sadly – factual.
I have two very lovely Chinese Malaysian friends who said similar things and an expatriate who gave up living in Kuala Lumpur because of it.
I hope there are many peaceful Muslim Malays who are proud of conserving their Malayan traditions, along with their Malay friends, regardless of their religion and skin color.
Icha
Townsville, Australia
Despite our differences on many things, we are facing the same problem, and the solution is also the same.
Just be yourself, as Malay, as Indonesian, as whoever you are. As long as you are being yourself, you will never get lost.
Aisanya
Jakarta
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