The recent announcement made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Tun Razak, to the effect that ‘we (Malaysia) are an Islamic state’ is mind-boggling to say the least. Speaking during a conference in Kuala Lumpur on the theme of ‘The Role of Islamic States in a Globalised World’, the Deputy Prime Minister claimed that Malaysia has ‘never been affiliated’ to a secular position that that Malaysia’s development ‘has been driven by our adherence to the fundamentals of Islam’. (Bernama, 17 July 2007)
One cannot help but wonder if this was a case of a cynical historical revisionism at work, for there is ample historical data to show that the opposite was the case, and that the forefathers of the Malaysian nation — from Tunku Abdul Rahman to his own father Tun Razak and Hussein Onn — were keen to ensure that Malaysia remained a constitutional democracy where the state would play the role of honest broker and govern a Malaysian public that was multi-racial and multi-confessional.
Furthermore the claim that Malaysia is an Islamic state is far-fetched to say the least according to the criteria of traditional Islamic legal orthodoxy and normative Muslim standards of ethics. Would an Islamic state condone the use of laws like the ISA that allow for detention without trial, or laws like the OSA and the Sedition Act? And does Islam explicitly talk about the need to create faith rehabilitation centres where Muslims and non-Muslims are interned to ‘convert’ them to the right (re. State-defined) practices of Islam?
The comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister would suggest a totalising discourse that fails to take into account the pluralism that is at the heart of the Malaysian nation and nation-building project. When he states that ‘we have always been driven by our adherence to the fundamental principles of Islam’, is he referring to the entire Malaysian population that includes not only Muslims but also Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and peoples of other faiths? Or by the term ‘we’ is he referring to the oligarchy of Malay-Muslim elites who man the helm of UMNO and the ruling National Front alliance that governs the country?
It is therefore not surprising to think that this was yet another case of a Malay-Muslim politician playing to the Malay-Muslim gallery the way that so many other Malay politicians have done in the past. After all, the declaration of Malaysia as an Islamic state was made earlier by former Prime Minister Mahathir; and it was also Mahathir and his former Deputy Anwar Ibrahim who spearheaded the Islamisation programme in Malaysia in the 1980s, taking the country further from its secular constitutional roots and towards a more communitarian register on the basis of Malay-Muslim identity politics.
At this crucial stage in Malaysian history where the Constitution has all but been forgotten, it would be wise to reflect on the mistakes made by other Muslim leaders elsewhere who have brought their countries to the brink of ruin by playing the ‘Islam card’. One country that comes to mind is Pakistan, which today is black-listed as a den of terrorism and has been cast as a pariah state internationally. Yet Pakistan’s slippery slide towards violent sectarian religious politics was not started by conservative Mullahs or even the military dictator General Zia ul Haq, but the secular leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
As soon as he came to power in 1971 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto launched his own ‘people’s revolution’ in Pakistan. While preaching his ideology of ‘Islamic Socialism’ (which Muammar Ghadaffi of Libya also claimed as his idea) Bhutto announced the immediate nationalisation of ten major industries, including iron and steel, basic metals, heavy engineering, petrochemicals and motor vehicles. Bhutto also introduced new legislation that was meant to improve the working conditions of the country’s illiterate and backward workers and peasants. These reforms were inspired in part by the example set by Colonel Muammar Ghadaffi of Libya, and Bhutto’s close contacts with China. During his trips to China, Bhutto had been advised by Mao Tze-Tung and Chao En-Lai to set up a ‘people’s army’ that would support his nationalisation project. The sudden and unexpected nationalisation caused the country’s already weakened economy to collapse completely, sending the stock market downwards and causing the flight of capital from the country.
Fearful of losing the support of the population, Bhutto then began to play the Islamic card as well. He assured the Islamist leaders that his own brand of ‘Islamic Socialism’ had nothing no do with Communism per se and that it was not an atheistic ideology. In 1972 he made a deal with the Jami’at-ul Ulema-i Islam (JUI) under Maulana Mufti Mahmood. Bhutto promised to allow Maulana Mahmood and the JUI to expand their activities in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) as long as they would support his own PPP party in the National and Regional Assemblies. He also promised Islamist parties like the JUI and Maulana Maudoodi’s Jama’at-e Islami (JI) that he would introduce new laws and constitutional amendments that would make Pakistan an Islamic state.
Zulfikar attempted to streamline the process of Islamisation in Pakistan via political and constitutional means. Like Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan before him, he tried to use the state as a means to control and patronise the religious powers in the country. In 1972 Bhutto managed to get Pakistan to host the second OIC summit in Lahore, in an attempt to bolster his own Islamic credentials. By virtue of the 1973 Constitution, the State was officially the guarantor of marriage and the family, the protector of the mother and the child and the guardian of equality before the law by formally prohibiting all forms of sexual discrimination. Yet, the third Constitution of Pakistan had received the tacit assent of one of the most vociferous opponents of Ayub Khan: Maudoodi himself. Maudoodi’s support in the early 70’s was understandable for the reasons that the Constitution had for the first time declared Islam as the religion of the State; had imposed the preservation of religious ethos (by prohibiting prostitution, drugs and obscenity) and had laid down the official definition of a proper Muslim (which would serve as the basis for the excommunication of the Ahmadis in 1974). Furthermore, Bhutto had systematically purged his ex-allies from the radical Left with the expressed support of none other than Maudoodi. In return for these efforts of ‘purification ‘ (particularly on the campuses of the country), Maudoodi gave his tacit endorsement to the 1973 Constitution.
But despite all these moves and concessions made in favour of the religious lobbies (including prohibition of alcohol, gambling etc.), the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, appeared to be theocratic in theory but secular in practice. This was the conclusion that the Islamist camp eventually came to by the mid 70’s. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s PPP government was caught in a trap of its own making. The feudal Bhutto attempted to present himself as a democrat and a populist, and he introduced many radical policy changes that were destined to have a long-lasting impact on the country itself. He pushed Pakistan into the nuclear race even when it was clear that the country could not sustain such a project either economically or politically. His desire to entrench himself on the terrain of Pakistani politics led to a sustained assault on the country’s civil service and judiciary, and culminated in the formation of his own private para-military force (the Federal Security Force FSF).
Bhutto’s crypto-socialist policies also led to the demoralisation of the ruling elite, many of whom took the opportunity to immigrate to the West. In one vital area this was to have a potentially dangerous effect: The higher ranks of the armed forces were no longer the exclusive purview of the ruling elite but was finally left open to the newly emerging urbanised middle classes, who were much more conservative and religiously inclined. In 1976 he picked the comparatively junior General Zia ul Haq as Commander in Chief, in an attempt to pre-empt any coup attempts by more senior generals. This would later prove his undoing.
Today, after decades of Islamisation at the hands of Pakistan’s Mullahs that went unchecked by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and later Zia ul Haq, Pakistan has become an outcast state there religious politics has proven to be divisive and detrimental to the plight of women, non-Muslim minorities and minority sects among Muslims. All of this could have been avoided by sticking to the secular principles of the Pakistani constitution, but that same constitution has been torn to shreds by successive politicians — including Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif — who found it expedient to play the ‘Islamic card’ whenever it suited them, just to garner some cheap votes at the elections. The rest, as they say, is history and that history now weighs heavily of Pakistan and its people.
Is Malaysia heading down the path of Pakistan? Well, at the moment Malaysia has several ‘Islamic’ features that even Pakistan does not have, such as the morality police squads, Islamic detention centres and the like. Thus far from being a model moderate Muslim state that naive outsiders like Kofi Annan seem to admire so, we seem well on the path of an increasingly divisive, sectarian religiously-based politics that has spun out of control.
The way I see it, Malaysia is going to be the next Afganistan if our Malay politicians are competing to be seen as “the more Islamic man”. The Faith Rehabilitation Centre for Muslim is just like the Guantanamo Bay, both are inhuman.
Najib has spoken his mind. I think Malaysia is going to be a failed state because Najib is most probably be the next PM.
“The recent announcement made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Tun Razak, to the effect that ‘we (Malaysia) are an Islamic state’”
What has MCA and MIC to say now? still keeping the elegant silence? MCA & MIC, if you do not rebuke this claim, by your inaction, you have sold off non bumis, so, stop claiming that you are our champions.
[deleted]
religion is truly a divisive force throughout centuries of wo/mankind.
if pakistan can, we can too! Malaysia boleh!
MCA OKT will quote a chinese proverb: Silence is gold.
DPM now needs the support of the Malays so he is playing yet again the race card. Everyone knows that as it is, Malaysia cannot be an Islamic State. If they intend to make it an Islamic State in the future, then to all my non-Muslim brothers and sisters…please leave this country, migrate whatever, b’cos a true Islamic State will be the likes of Afghanistan, Iraq etc where they take off your hands for stealing a chicken egg, stone you to death for rape/incest etc! I don’t think our Muslim friends will like that either.
You think with our corrupt system and immoral leaders, Malaysia will be an Islamic State. I think not! The people in the wrong side of the law has too much to lose.
It is unfortunate that religious issues have been continuously used and manipulated by the political leaders for own personal agendas and to draw support. It is irony that political leaders on one hand claim champion for adherence to religious values but on the other hand continue to ignore and fail to act against evidence on corruption against many individuals of own political party hence putting themselves equivalent to the corrupted individuals. Religion should condemn injustice and corruption. Unfortunately things going the other way round in this country. These disgraceful [deleted] ‘pro’ religion and at the same time quietly support corruption.
No shame to Najib and the like to declare openly. Talk is Cheap, Action is louder than Words. Najib/AAB, act before you talk more nonsense! Total disgrace to the good name of the religion and Malaysia as a whole.
Firstly, the former United Nations secretary-general does not have to live in this country. He said this as a guest who must be polite to his hosts. So what this main who has been tainted by corrupt practices while in office says must be taken with a pinch of salt.
Secondly, Malaysia has survived the first 50 years. We have seen the changing complexion that no longer reflects the vision when Malaysia was formed.
Thirdly, the presence of “morality police squads, Islamic detention centres as recorded by Farish is alarming, not just to the other races but also to my many Malay friends.
Someday, someone will write that the country has bee hijacked. But by who? By then, the answer will be more than obvious.
These morality raids and detention in Islamic centres are not aberrations, but represent a trend. Go figure!
For decades, leaders at all levels are lost and confused as to what is good for the country.
Big risks were taken to maintain power and control…..the country and people are now beginning to pay a heavy price for their damaging, short term and narrow decisions.
Maybe this is part of UMNO’s strategy to fish for Malay votes as the election is getting near.
But nevertheless theoritically, with high level of corruption and money politics, its difficult for any leader of a country to justify whatever they say on religion because the two ideology…corruption vs religion just cannot blend together.
In conclusion, if a person is deem corrupted, its hard for him or her to justify the practice of religion… that’s how i see it.
Don’t you know? Malaysia is already an Islamic state, perhaps even more so than Pakistan. Which country do you know robs dead bodies and converts them AFTER death? Which country in the world has separated a mother from her 7 children and husband of 20 plus years? Which country has the power to separate another mother from her baby daughter, put her in detention, and then have the nerve to give custody of this almost 30 yr old woman to her parents? (BTW, what happens when her bigoted old folks die? Who gets custody? Her uncles? Or perhaps she gets sent back to the detention centre? What is the age of consent of marriage for apostates anyway?)
Malaysia truly Islamic state.
Of course Malaysia is an Islamic state – any argument will be stopped dead in its tracks by invoking Islam.
Unfortunate thing is that there is no equivalent punishment to the perpetrators in BN for un-Islamic acts such as daylight robbery, theft, lies and deceit.
Once again, the poor religion is used as a shield to block their wrong doing… Islam seems to be such a good excuse religion to perpetuate hate, separation and corruption.
Pakistan? We are turning into Ghana or Somalia.
Where is our Pee Ammm now? I think he is in Australia again. HOlidaying with taxpayer’s money while the country is bieng run by goons.
What is Najib talking is only to satisfy PAS ok? i was in Pakistan last year for 3 weeks. I m sure we r not an Islamic state cos the government is taxing on unislamic money from many unislamic businesses. Pls Najib what are you trying to cheat and you will not enjoy like what you r now if you r living in an islamic state. at least u r enjoying with the money taxing from Uncle LIm of Genting and other massage parlour and Magnum and so fault don’ you !
It is one thing Dr. M said it, it is another thing Najib said it. Najib is not of the same league as Dr. M. When Dr. M was in power, no one dare to oppose him. But Najib is another history. Let’s make him pay a steep price for his comment. DAP once organized “Malaysia not a Islamic state” against Dr. M. Why not do it against Najib as well.
Farish, a very thorough analysis of the Pakistani situation. well done.
I am not all too happy, though, with the parallels drawn in such straightforward manner. Probably Malaysia will not go down the road of Pakistan. Chances are very low. For very many reasons, that I refrain from mentioning here and now.
However, if the question was if Malaysia was on its way to becoming a failed country, very unfortunately, the answer is much less clear. For the time being, we all are working pretty hard on this model already. By now, we are aware that anyone who will ever report a corrupt official, will see the case dropped (if the official is high enough). It could as well be rape or murder, nothing will come out of the courtroom, except ‘not guilty’. The electorate also contributes by voting in the incumbent, invariably. Not for reasons of conviction, but culture, tradition, background and for the bread crumbs falling off the tables of the corrupt rich.
Lack of vision is another turbine to that path to failure. While we might have hated the vivid then DrM for his fantasy or vision, at least he had a clear place where he wanted us to move. The current government has none. Zero. We are on autopilot; at times steered slightly left or right by the family members. We will be running out of oil within 5 to 12 years. Then the source of extra income pilfered into a huge social re engineering program will dry out. The standard of living will fall, and IDR, the replacement for oil revenue will remain as an intended source. Prices will go up, real income down. Economical Dissatisfaction will lead to more crime, increasing the dissatisfaction. This will be the ideal breeding ground for religious intolerance, as well as ethnical intolerance. Which will further discourage foreign investment, leading to a still lower standard of living. The so-called ‘immigrants’ will be asked to leave, leading to a further decline of prosperity. Employment will fall, escapism increase, into dadah and religious fundamentalism.
All that constitutes the morning glory of a failed country.
These are all the products of our former PM, Mahathiu.
“The Constitution of Malaysia in Article 3 (1) declares that “Islam is the religion of the federationâ€Â. The Supreme Court in a 1988 case ruled that the effect of Article 3 (1) is primarily symbolic. Article 3 imposes no limits on the legislative power of Parliament. Islamic law is not the general law of the land. Elsewhere the Constitution indicates that syariah is not part of the general definition of ‘law’ in Article 160(2). Syariah courts have limited jurisdiction only over persons professing the religion of Islam. Syariah authorities are not superior to civil authorities. Allegiance to Islam is not a pre-requisite for obtaining citizenship or holding any federal posts other than those of the King and Deputy King. Malaysia is not an Islamic state. Historical documents refer to it as a “secular†state.
I am sure most of us will remember that when PAS was sweeping the eastern states of Kelantan and Trengganu and Kedah was threatened to fall under PAS,TDM wanted to illegalize Religion with Politics. Instead now they are making full use of religion for politics. This is the brand of UMNO, a real opportunist and it is no wonder that they are making full use of the opportunity now to plunder the country.
Is there hope?
In US, they have Bob Hope. In Malaysia, No Hope.
“What has MCA and MIC to say now? still keeping the elegant silence? MCA & MIC, if you do not rebuke this claim, by your inaction, you have sold off non bumis, so, stop claiming that you are our champions.” ihavesomethingtosay
Don’t you know MCA is gangster? They started recruiting underworld figure since the early and mid-nineties, I personally know one who is now a Dato, holding very important poisition in MCA in the northen state, he was someone I used to call boss and I might call him boss again soon, I may not have a choice.
“Would an Islamic state condone the use of laws like the ISA that allow for detention without trial, or laws like the OSA and the Sedition Act? And does Islam explicitly talk about the need to create faith rehabilitation centres where Muslims and non-Muslims are interned to ‘convert’ them to the right (re. State-defined) practices of Islam?” Farish Noor
No. An Islamic state cuts off your hands when you steal, stone you to death when you commit adultery etc. and sentences apostates to death.
Are we doing all of the above? If we are than we must be an Islamic state.
Whether Malaysia is an Islamic state or a Secular state, it is all the same. Currently, Malaysia is an Altantuyah state.
We are not even mutilating female genitals (known as FGM) as they do in some parts of Africa today. Today if you fear FGM, you could seek asylum in countries like the United States.
“Maybe this is part of UMNO’s strategy to fish for Malay votes as the election is getting near.” KL Dude
Voting against UMNO is voting against Allah!
“Malaysia is an Altantuyah state.”
Yes, only yesterday they went to the scene of the crime – to see the ‘state Altantuya’ was in before she was discovered.
Undergrad2, are you saying Malaysia is a Confucius State. We are all Confused….
“Voting against UMNO is voting against Allah!”
But God is too busy in places like Iraq and Afghanistan fighting the infidels to care.
“Undergrad2, are you saying Malaysia is a Confucius State.”
I know someone so confused as to say it is. Let’s see if he comes out of the woodwork!
“But God is too busy in places like Iraq and Afghanistan fighting the infidels to care.”
Let’s hope it stays that way.
But then God may go AWOL in Iraq and may grab a ride on one of the F15s belonging to the infidels and appear in Malaysia. We have to wait and see.
As for Altantuya being a woman scorned, now that Nuri helicopters are dropping from the sky, shouldn’t we be more concerned about there being more women scorned – since Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?
No money, NO POWER . That is why they steal and control their own people using so call religion, pray five times a day and commit unimaginable sins
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto can be compared to Saddam Hussain. Both were hanged for committing/ordering murders.
Undergrad2, I’ve lost your holy trail!
Any country with a Muslim majority that does not tread middle-of-the-road would eventually end up like Afghanistan, Iraq or Pakistan. The secret of a successful modern society lies in equity and balance, not fanaticism or extremism.
BN politicians are absolutely reckless and utterly irresponsible to play the race-religion card to pander to a largely unthinking populace. Hell hath no fury like colour-coded parochialism and irrational religious chauvinism. AMEN.
Reckless and irresponsible? Yes.
But I hope you’re not suggesting that it is acceptable if it is not reckless and irresponsible. ‘Fair, sensitive and responsible’ should do it??
As for walking middle-of-the-road, you could fall victim to traffic both sides of it!
“Is Malaysia heading down the path of Pakistan?†Farish asked.
Now today Pakistan is nest bed of sectarian violence and terrorism.
Why just 2 days ago 15 people died and more than 40 were wounded when a suicide bomber targeted a group of demonstrators gathered in the heart of the Pakistani capital to demand an end to President Pervez Musharraf’s eight-year rule.
So Dawsheng asked “Is there hope? and MYVIEW said, “In US, they have Bob Hope. In Malaysia, No Hope!â€Â
Then MYVIEW comes out with yet another gem – “Whether Malaysia is an Islamic state or a Secular state, it is all the same. Currently, Malaysia is an Altantuyah state…..â€Â
But ironically maybe here is where the hope is….
The renowned British magazine, ‘The Economist’ – (reputable for its in-depth coverage of international politics and business, news and opinion) once gave some useful tips to President George Bush in his failed war against Terrorism.
The Economist said that based on history, no one has ever successfully combated and terminated terrorism – except possibly only the Mongols…….Think about that.
I miss the days where malays used to go to kelab malam or dangduts etc….
Welcome talibanization. Wawasan 2020 should be scrapped.
The PM and DPM often talk about unity among muslims. They seldom talk about unity among all races and religions. That clearly shows their true colors and where their priority is, and is the #1 factor in increasing state of polarization in Malaysia. UMNO is a racist and malay supremacist party. MIC and MCA are totally useless and are acting as political eunuchs to UMNO. Vote these self-serving parties out in the coming GE!
Malaysia is being talibanised. period. Even idiotic DPm says Malaysia is islamic state when rightfully it should be secular according to the Memorandum in 1956 and the Constitution. No more hope and beyond salvation.
Malaysia always want to be the best among the best.
World Class.
When comes to Islam, they too want to claimed that they are the best in the world.
The practice of the faith are between the individual and GOD.
If we are really Islamic state, why corruption and bridery are so acceptable. The reason Malaysia has been peaceful and prosperous is because of moderation. There is a good balance between different faiths, ethicnicity, natural resources and decent education system.
If we are really Islamic state, why corruption and bridery are so acceptable. The reason Malaysia has been peaceful and prosperous is because of moderation. There is a good balance between different faiths, ethicnicity, natural resources and decent education system.
Is all about political survival at all costs.
If the country is heading to an Islamic state, then the leaders had betrayed a progressive, modern and multi religious country.
Look all those in the government, are they really practicing their own faith accordingly ?
They are only pushing and passing the bucket around to make the Malays living in comfortable fears. They constantly raised up racial and religious sendiment among Malays and other to instill enough fears.
No longer are they good in their practicing faith, however, they are professionally good actors and actresses in the public.
Greed in wealth have taken control of their lives instead of faith in GOD.
To rule by fear and insecurity, one got to create fear and insecurity.
So the conclusion has to be that Malaysia is heading down the path of Zimbabwe. They claim to be pious Muslims, but they steal in broad daylight, condone corruption and abuse of power, and they keep their poor fellow Muslims like mushrooms – in the dark and fed with sh!t.
Soon there will be nothing left to steal, and they will be left with no choice but to reclaim properties and businesses that the non-Muslims have built up. Zimbabwe, Farish, not Pakistan.
Plainly, Najib is shamelessly hijacking the ‘Islamic’ idea for his political survival.
Many, I think, would question Najib’s Islamic credentials. Any guy blind in one eye can see Najib is trying to wear his religion on his sleeve. Then when he changes his shirt, the religion comes off. It’s that easy.
Why didn’t Ong Ka Ting and Samy Vellu speak out against this? Why MCA and MIC and the rest of BN component parties censure the DPM for his emotional outburst?
This shows that the BN coalition is a marriage of convenience only. The saying ” you rub my back, I rub yours” couldn’t have been clearer. The MCA and MIC has whether they realise it or not (in their money making stupor) has sold out their respective communities. The MCA has betrayed the Chinese..by keeping quite, they have endorsed DPM’s ridiculous statement. LKS, please work hard to convey this to the rural folks who have been led by the nose by these traitors. Spread the word…vote out the MCA!
http://kickdefella.wordpress.com/2007/07/16/sheih-on-sheih-parliament-will-be-dissolved-soon/
Malaysian Parliament will be dissolved end of July or within the first week of August. While UMNO divisional chairmen and members strongly believed that Election will either be held early or by the end of first quarter of 2008, latest rumours (or it can be infos) on the ground are saying that election will not be called on the 26 August 2007 but a week earlier which is 18 August 2007…
Ong Ka Ting is a eunuch, while Semi Value is an UMNO member planted in the MIC. No sense expecting these people to speak out against their bosses.
Remember that they are in their present positions only by the grace of UMNO.
Apparently our DPM never go to school. Either he don’t know his history (stupidity) or simply talk (loose mouth).
Judging from past couple of decades, BN is a partnership of self serving political parties and politicians……it is kept together by their selfish benefits/interests they could derive from the partnership of running the country – directly/indirectly.
The country and her ordinary people are secondary.
One day Malaysia will become Northern Singapore.
Najib is merely stating the obvious, the reality.
“Secular”, “Islamic”. “religious” etc etc are merely playing with words, symantics. Argue all you want but the reality is all there for all to see.
We have been walking down the road towards becoming a totally Islamic country. It is only about the speed, sometimes it is faster, sometimes slower.
Just merely 30 years ago, the Malays were dressing much, much more differently. So were their lifestyle, thinking and speech.
But after Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the Shah and radical and conservative Islam took strong roots, we have changed and followed them.
Call it whatever you will but the reality is that the Islamic way of life is becoming more invasive, intrusive and prevalent in our daily lives. Even the secular courts now shy away from any case that has been given some “Islamic” flavour, and they quickly bow to the Syariah. Government policies and administration is now more religiously dictated. The education process has taken a new direction. So has dressing and behaviour in general. What is there more to say?
But the sad thing is that these trends seems to be irreversible. Once given or put in place, it is difficult to change the trend or to take away. Just like NEP.
Who now dares go against the mullahs even if they are wrong?
So it is likely that full Islamisation will be in place in the next 50 years.
Are we a successful nation? That is more important than whether we are Islamic or not. Thus far we have been successful for the last 40 odd years. But this quest for Islamic state worries me cos that seems to be the only goal, houlier than thou.An really there is no Islamic state that is a model of success. Malaysian politicians from the ruling party are taking the country towards a dangerous path since 1998 and more so since Pak Lah became PM.
Malaysia is a successful secular state with a multi ethnic people. We should keep it that way with Islam as religion of the state for the next 50 years. Respect the true meaning of the constitution, not the self interpretation as and when needed. If not Sabah and Sarawak have a say going forward cos they are partners not merely states.
Sorry unless someone can show me an Islamic state that is successful and no need for a multi ethnic one, I’m sceptic about it. Prefer the model that has made us successful thus far!!!!
Sudan, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Niger, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia ect are Islamic states…their people survive on daily food handouts from western charitable organisations…and the DPM wants Malaysia to follow the footsteps of such failed countries!
Heyyyy! Why are you knocking that? If people can get freebies, they are smart. Get money for nothing! Thats basically the bumi policy concept what?
Its to create a middleman class with no skills. Who is always dependent on handouts. I dont think its the Islamic way though!
Whether Malaysia is an Islamic state or a Secular state, future of Malaysia will always be in a LOSING STATE with Barisan Notorious in power.
Take a look at our LOSING STATE track records:
1. Singapore Malaysia Crooked Bridge Cancellation- RM200m
2. Broga incinerator Cancellation- RM15m to RM200m??
3. “Bocor” Buildings Inspection- RM20m
4. FAX aircraft repairment- RM40m
5. Altantuya Murder Trial Sues- RM100m ??
6. Squatgate Sues- RM10m??
and mamy many more……
To all Malaysian who truly love our beautiful homeland.
Talk is Cheap.
Don’t fall for this non-sense and lose our focus- Time to whip these “hopeless-brainless-useless-spineless-all-time-parasite” with our VOTE.
well, looking at how this Islamization is progressing, there is no guarantee that our next generation will be living in a total Islamic state. any new leader will come out again in the future to fully declare it and may command that the whole country be fully controlled by Islamic laws.
therefore, we should plan for the worst. it is time to prepare ourselves. if there are any chances to leave the future Pakistan or Iraq, we have to work hard to open the road before it is too late. for freedom sake, for your next generations sake, for your children’s sake, for your race, for your religion, for your clan, whatever it is that is not protected by the new laws of the land.
Really shame on our DPM… MCA, time to says something…. DAP, I support you.
Remember, we praise the Gov when they really did something nice, but we question them when they make silly mistake which is hard to be accepted by us…
With the way things are going, it may already be a little too late. Playing the ‘Islamic card’ began with Mahathir but the good doctor was pretty good at balancing this card on its edge, neither dismissing it and therefore giving Islamist champions fodder to roast him, nor going the whole hog (oops, am I being insensitive here?) to allow theocracy to peep it’s holy head. But unfortunately, his successor is no doctor and having no real intellectual ability to follow on the footsteps of his much more brilliant predecessor, has chosen to introduce ‘Islam Hadhari.’
With Malays making up just 60% of the population, Islamists have already begun to make a mockery of our Constitution, giving the Syariah Court a status it does not deserve and forcing upon non-Muslims actions that are at heart unIslamic. By 2050, a mere 43 years away, Malays will make up 80% of the population. By then, through sheer force of numbers, Malays will change the Constitution and proudly make this an Islamic State that no-one will have any right to question anymore. Give this country another 43 years of playing the Islamic card, I think we are staring at our own Pakistan in our country. Non-Malays are already actively working out ways to re-locate. Talk to the average non-Malay on the street and broadly speaking there are those who have resigned themselves to living out their fate and that of their children’s in this country. Then, there are those who do love this country of their birth but have akcnowledged that with the way things are going, their children and their children’s children should be given the option to re-locate. That was what our forefathers did anyway – when circumstances created the need and forced the hand to migrate. That is a given with non-Malays. What will be absolutely interesting though is to see how our Malay brethren (the majority of whom are decent people and Muslims we can share a meal with anytime) prepare themselves for our own little Pakistan where you never know when you will be blown to smithereens. Come to think of it, this ‘you never know…’ is also happening in places where the Islamist abounds…so, time to go, the clock is ticking, tick-tock,tick-tock…