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 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.”
UMNO was aware that without the support of the two other parties, it was in no position to singularly represent the diverse Malayan federation and the multiracial and pluralistic Malaysian society.
(By Anand Krishna, Jakarta).
Your comments:
Trust me. What is written is a generalization of Malaysia. The majority of us still live in harmony. Take an example, when the churches were under attack, the Malays, Indian and Chinese hand in hand protect its compound. Back again, look into bigger picture. Who benefits from the chaos? They are the culprits.
Latiff
Shah Alam, Malaysia
It is no secret that Malaysia adopted a certain policy: favoring the Malays. And because of these policies, non-Malays may feel they are sidelined by the government. But, these policies also impact on the stability of the country.
The fact that there are millions of Indonesians and people from other countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan working in Malaysia, show how prosperous this country is in terms of economical development.
We’re also seeing some changes made by the ruling party in Malaysia, toward a more liberal society. The church-burning issue is a result of the present government being more liberal.
The government can easily use the Internal Security Act (ISA) to prevent Christians from using the word “Allah”. But the government did not do that. They let this issue be taken to court and it made the decision to allow it.
I’m a Muslim, but I totally agree with the court’s decision. Allah is not only the God of Muslim but He is the God of all mankind. Maybe there are certain Muslim groups in Malaysia who are seeking some political mileage from this issue, but I’m sure that Malaysian leaders know how to handle it wisely.
Mohd Lutfi
Islamabad
I am big fan of Upin and Ipin, a cartoon film from Malaysia. But it’s not about the movie, but what Upin and Ipin represent. I think Upin and Ipin is a symbol of Malaysian people’s hopes.
They want to live in harmony and peace. Upin and Ipin can play together with various friends from various cultures and religions. They respect each other.
When Upin and Ipin are fasting during Ramadhan, their friend Mei Lan gives them support for commitment to their religious.
Also, Upin and Ipin respect Mei Lan tradition. But in fact, this is just a movie. The real situation is bad.
Arbania Fitriani
Depok
Don’t blame the Malays, they are a minority in UMNO. Yes — a minority. The trouble makers are the Mamak migrants, the Javanese migrants, Minang migrants, Aceh migrants masquerading as Malays in UMNO.
It should be noted that the Javanese, Acehnese, Minang and Bugis among others do not identify themselves as Malays in Indonesia. But when they come to Malaysia, they automatically become Malays!
Abd Rizieq Baginda
Padang
The problem lies not in the different races, but in each and every Malaysian, be it Chinese people, Malay, Indians or any other race.
Everyone is the same; immigrants, locals; what does it matter who’s to blame, because everyone is to blame. If no one bothers to think of one another as the same, then what use is there to argue, Malaysia will always be dysfunctional.
Wake up. Everyone complains about how their race is treated badly. Start growing up.
Jane M
Kuala Lumpur
