Over a drink of green coconut at what used to be called the Passionate Love Beach until his Islamist party came to power and scrapped the name, state minister Takiyuddin Hassan outlines the victories in the war on sin.
To the south, in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, celebrations are starting for Malaysia’s 50th year as an independent state. Its proud achievements are modern universities, a buoyant economy and a respected place in the world as a moderate Islamic nation.
Mr Hassan’s party boasts a different set of achievements: banning mini-skirts, chastising unmarried couples and renaming Kota Bharu’s favourite beauty spot. They also closed down nightclubs, banned nearly all bars except a few Chinese restaurants, where no Muslims are allowed, and refused to let a proposed cinema open unless there were separate sections for men and women.
In a sign of their clout, the American pop diva Gwen Stefani has agreed to wear traditional costumes in her Malaysian concert next week after conservative Muslim youths protested at the “indecent dressing and obscenity” of her skin-baring act. An Islamic opposition party demanded that her show next Tuesday should be cancelled.
The platinum blonde star has agreed to cover up in the hope of heading off further protests.
As it celebrates 50 years of independence on August 31, Malaysia is once again debating just how Islamic it should be. Older Malays bemoan a younger generation that has become puritanical, self-righteously declining to attend social functions where alcohol is served. Headscarves, rare 20 years ago, are worn by almost all Malay women now, although often in combination with tight jeans.
As for Mr Hassan, a moderate who was once a lawyer, he is proud of his party’s achievements in Kota Bharu. He says that it has kept the rustic capital of Kelantan state upright and clean-living. The biggest building in the city is a gigantic headquarters decorated with concrete Korans where the moral enforcement department is based. Its bearded officials spend much of their time prowling parks in Kota Bharu in search of amorous young sinners.
Mr Hassan is sensitive about the mocking nickname of “Taleban lite” sometimes levelled at his party from Kuala Lumpur, where bars do a roaring trade and the cinemas are full of dating couples. Yet he is sure that the moral example set in Kota Bharu will some day win over his lax compatriots to the south. “Malaysia is a Muslim state. We hope we can change the mindset of our people in Kuala Lumpur so they can live according to Islamic principles too,” he said. Not all parties agree.
Some fear that assertive Islam threatens to upset the delicate balance between the 60 per cent Malay Muslim majority and the nonMuslim ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, which have managed to coexist, sometimes uneasily, since the troubled birth of the country in 1957, at a time of civil war and ethnic tension.
At the time many feared that the new nation was doomed to failure. It has instead built a strong economy and an imperfect democracy, dominated for 50 years by the United Malays National Organisation, which has survived without the coups or upheavals that have plagued her neighbours.
Ronnie Liu, of the Democratic Action Party, said: “Socialising between Malays and the other ethnic groups is much rarer than it used to be. You go into coffee shops and restaurants now and they no longer cater to an ethnic mix of customers. It wasn’t like that before.” Some nonMuslim Chinese and Indians feel increasingly treated like second-class citizens. They complain, usually privately, that Islamic religious schools are much better funded than theirs and that a system of affirmative action favours Malays when it comes to university places.
Islam has always had a prominent place. It is the official religion of Malaysia and the Constitution states that anyone born Malay is Muslim.
The debate over the parameters of its role, an old argument in Malaysia, was given a new outing when Najib Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister, broke a taboo to declare that the nation was an Islamic one. He said: “We have never been secular because being secular by Western definition means separation of the Islamic principles in the way we govern the country.”
The Council of Churches of Malaysia afterwards accused him of stirring up racial tension.
Minority religions are particularly worried about a series of apostasy rulings. Chinese or Indians who want to marry a Malay must convert to Islam, causing great problems if they divorce or are widowed and want to return to the religion of their birth.
In a notorious case this year a Malay woman called Lina Joy attempted to have Malaysia’s courts recognise her conversion to Christianity, but failed and was hounded and fled into hiding. Some hardliners have even called for the execution of apostates.
Every state has a religious department with Saudi-style moral enforcers and nowhere are they more active than in Kota Bharu, a city of mosques along a muddy river that bustles during the day but falls silent at nightfall.
Unmarried couples found sharing hotel rooms are hunted down by the enforcers. Couples caught sitting too close together on park benches are fined 2,000 ringgit (£285) in the city’s shariah court under a provision called khalwat ” loosely translated as “close proximity”. Couples have been forced into marriage after being caught together and moral enforcers sometimes pick on foreigners.
NonMuslims as well as Malays also sometimes fall foul of the enforcers in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere and there are claims that instead of being paragons of Islamic virtue the enforcers are prone to bribery and have recruited vigilantes into their ranks.
In Kota Bharu the enforcers declined to speak to The Times. Mr Hassan explained: “They are worried about being made to look like fools. It could damage the image of Islam if their work is portrayed in the wrong light.”
Nurhayati Kaprawi, of Sisters in Islam, a group that has spoken out against
khalwatand the enforcers, said that many of their raids followed anonymous tip-offs. She said that they frequently terrorised people by barging into homes in the middle of the night.
Ms Kaprawi said: “They say they want to implement Islam but the truth is they are really smearing Islam. If they are not stopped they really could become like the Taleban.”
So, what happens after Malaysia is a Muslim state? What will that do to those who are already a Muslim?? Do you really think the government will share their pies with you? Wake up, seriously. As for me, I will never allow anyone to shove their beliefs to my life! No one can ever do that without my consent. I've had my strings of A's and declined scholarships. It was clear to me then where Malaysia is heading and I don't want no part of that for my future. I suppose the Muslim women should wake up. From what I know, Muslims teaching don't treat women equally. I have never read Quran but these are what my Muslim friends tell me. Why a life of agony when you can have freedom?
I remember how my Primary 1 school book were stories of Ah Chong, Ahmad and Samy. I felt great love for Malaysia then and I still do now - I just don't want to live there.
YT, Brisbane, Aus
MeThe 50th Independence celebration is one that is orchestrated by a ruling muslim political party that assusmes non-muslims in Malaysia support its pernicious ideological agenda of enforcing Syriah law. Malaysia is being hijacked by Islamic political demagogues and since the late 60s has plolarised the country.
This is not new and countries like Egypt have faced the onslaught of islamic colonisation. The strange thing in Malaysia is we Chines and Indians who have setteled in this country even befor the 10th century are being treated as social and cultural pariahs in our own land. The writing is on the wall and we face dark days ahead, the only ones who will continue this so-called celebration of "good times" are the "bumiputeras" or the self-proclaimed "sons of the soil.... Discrimination, corruption, crime and the violation of human rights and the Constitution has made Malaysia a country under islamic occupation and dictatorship. Who will set up free from this captivity?
Nabeel, Melbourne, Australia
Don'cha just luurve all these doom and gloom predictions from people who have spent a week lounging about on the beaches of Langkawi and profess to "know Malaysia"?
In terms of the religious climate, Malaysia has been the way it is since the days of the Iranian Islamic revolution in the late seventies. It has been close to thirty years and multiple economic boom-bust cycles, as is normal for any modern economy, since then. Where are those so-called dark ages? I certainly don't see them.
The racial tensions between the ethnic Chinese and the Malays have been there since the sixties. Many Chinese have emigrated, but there has been no exodus. At the end of the day, despite the perceived dicrimination against them, ethnic minority groups are still happy to call Malaysia home. The relationship between the various ethnic groups in Malaysia appears to be symbiotic, for lack of a better word.
For the past 50 years since her independence, Malaysia must be doing something right.
Din, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sir,
Not a part of the GWOT part 2 then? Malign all Muslim countries so that the table is prepared for a "White Man's Burden" intervention. Strange that all these divided countries straddle the strategic inter-continetal trade routes & possess an abundance of resources.
Operation Islamic Liberation = OIL.
SC, London, United Kingdom
"I assume the majority of people in Malaysia agree to this radicalisation" -j singh, london, UK
No, we do not! Muslim Malays only make up 50% of the country. However, over the past 40 years, they have squeezed the ethnic Chinese and Indians out of the Police, the Army, the Navy, The Air Force, and the public sector. Top scoring ethnic students cannot obtain scholarships, cannot get onto Engineering or Medicine courses in state Unis, companies without a Malay board cannot get Government contracts. In fact, even foreign companies opening in Malaysia must be 30% owned by, wait for it, no, not Malaysian nationals, but Malay Muslims!
The ethnic minorities are marginalised and openly discriminated against. Questioning "Ketuanan Melayu" (Malay supremacy) is punishable by imprisonment without trial (Internal Security Act).
The only thing we can do now, is emigrate. I did so, and my advice to my fellow ethnic Malaysians is to do so while you can, for the sake of your children.
Chee, Coventry,
To miguel, london, united kingdom,
I had straight A1s but was denied any form of scholarship whereas some who fare worst than me obtained prestigious scholarships.
Joe, KL, Malaysia
To Alan from Cologne, cont: And there were (and are in Cuba, China and North Korea) plenty of infringements on other belief systems. In more orthodox Communist countries religions were banned outright. Later they were allowed to exist, but under enormous pressure of the State. Atheistic doctrine and mocking of other faiths were taught from the first school grade, religious people had to hide their beliefs, young atheists stood in front of churches harassing young faithful. Religious affiliation was a major problem to one's career. The State believed that religion was a dying superstition, so it largely left old people alone, but harassed everyone else.
Please don't speak of things you don't know.
Kurtlane, Orange County, USA
I applaud the Malay state government for what they are doing. Well done.
The crtics of Islam should realise that if the Malays were implementing a religion then their comments have some validity but Islam is a 'Deen', a way of life, as much as secularism is.
If we enforced the morals of Islam in the West we too would benefit from the reduction in teenage pregnancies, alcoholism and the related crimes, one parent families, reoccurrence of paedophilia, rape and murder by convicted paedophiles and murderers.
Freedom in every land is restricted - from where you can park your car to who you can have a sexual relationship with. Let's all have an open mind and look at the benefits Islam brings. By its action what it does not allow is a great blessing.
It's a shame that the God of Christianity and Hinduism has not provided means of implementing their faith other than singing songs and chanting - which questions their validity as being a real faith.
karim chowdhury, London,
I remember visiting Malaysia in the 70s. I cycled through it in 1988. Had a great time but even then I could see that it was Islamifying, schoolgirls were wearing headscarves, never saw that in the 70s.
Islam is a thoroughly nasty authoritarian, totalitarian, instrinsically intolerent political ideology; it happens to be a religion too, which is why folks cut it waaay more slack than they should. It holds the Koran to be the exact word of the creator of the universe. Read the Koran, it's dripping hate, violence and intolerance; it's a war manual. Koranic Literalism is the problem in Malaysia, like elsewhere.
Needless to say, I have no plans to visit Malaysia
Nick, Johannesburg, South Africa
Do not worry for Malaysia. The fanatics represent a tiny populace. The many who wear headscarves do so as part of fashion wear, and do not share extreme views of the very few.
Malaysia is not perfect, remains progressive and with its actions under international glare, its Government will try to behave in a civlised manner.
We love Malaysia for its culture, mix of people, food (of course) and do not care a hoot about these sinful politics. They only serve to make the political scene here more colourful.
ckw, KL, Malaysia
To Alan from Cologne: Sorry, but you are wrong. In China during Mao's regime there were only two colors of clothes: revolutionary blue or worker green, and the style was practically the same. Wearing something different made one "subversive" - with consequences. Food was left alone, as far as I know, but contraceptives and abortions were banned throughout Communist countries (China, Romania, Soviet Union) at least in early period. Reason: For the Good of the State. It was considered to populate the country; it would increase its military and industrial capacity.
There was plenty of prying into people's sexual behavior. One could not enter a hotel room without proving one is a relative of its current occupant. Someone found having sex outside marriage was dragged into a meeting where he would have to describe the event in every detail with all his neighbors or co-workers listening. Homosexuality was banned, with long jail/labor camp terms for violation.
Kurtlane, Orange County, USA
to abu from karachi:
yes, we in the west do have a live and let live philosophy, unfortunately, islam, only has a live and let live philosophy as to people who don't dare criticize it. if islamic terrorists stop killing civillians in the west, maybe there wouldn't be such a "ruckus"
art, new york city,
abu hussam, karachi says, if the non-muslims dont like it, they should leave the country; which is really not at all how the muslims behave in non-muslim countries is it now???
they feel they are entitled to live in a muslim state within a non-muslim State... malaysia is a secular state with islam as its official religion, it was not a muslim country as pakistan. a substantial number of malaysians are non-muslims and are entitled to live their lives and practise their own religions without having to leave their own country!
p chin, london, uk
This country used to be a bastion of racial tolerance and mingling but that dream was shattered by the May 13 racial riots propagated (as in the 1965 Indonesian genocide) by ultra nationalists within UMNO and Islamic radicals. Virtually none of the perpetrators of the violence which left hundreds of Chinese dead were captured. Instead thousands of Chinese were detained without trial and branded as Communists. Racial policies such as the NEP were introduced and for the first time the concept of a master (tuan) was introduced via the racist ideology of ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy). Then during Mahathir's time he started the Islamization of the government. At the same time dismantling the independence of the judiciary, police & rulers. Now, the process has come full circle and Malaysia is declared an Islamic state even though Sarawak and Penang have non-Muslim majorities. Sabah, a Christian state has been invaded by 1 million illegal Muslim immigrants from Philipines
Alex, PJ, Malaysia
Recently the Deputy Prime Minister caused a furore when he said, carelessly, that Malaysia is an Islamic state. I bet the father of Malaysia, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, a progressive Muslim himself, was twitching in his grave. Later the Prime Minister himself had to deny this statement. Even the normally sleepy monarch has emerged to try bring us to our senses (yay Raja Nazrin).
Now for those in Pakistan or Taliban, I politely request you mind your own business, because this is not your jihad. This is the battle for fellow Malaysians about their country, their nationality and their roots, and others who wish for peace and justice in the world.
We see again, that when religion is politicised (it used to be race but now race=religion), this leads to suffering rather than progress.
The only way forward is to vote for a better, fairer and principled minded leader, which is a pretty difficult task in Malaysia.
Peter Meh, Amsterdam/Malaysia,
I would just like to point out one misrepresentation. It is true that religions lay down rules and regulations which they apply to their own members and - unfortunately - often enough attempt to inflict on other people as well. --- But, and this is the point, atheism does not. Atheists simply do not have a god. And that's it. No rules on dress,. No regulations on what or what not to eat. No prying into people's sexual preferences. No banning the use of contraceptives. No enforced celibacy. No privileges for any belief-systems. In a word, no infringement of other people's civil liberties. -- I think that's rather nice of atheism.
alan, cologne,
Gwen, you are the best!! A lot of us from Malaysia look forward to your concert!! We love you!!
Joe, KL, Malaysia
Gwen, you're the best!! Im sure you will have loads of fun despite about the Hoo-Haa that surrounded your arrival!! Many of us here in Malaysia look forward to attending your concert!! =D
Joe, KL, Malaysia
The current Prime Minister of Malaysia is promoting its brand of Islam called "Islam Hadhar"i - Civilizational Islam because he knows the kind of Islam today in Islamic countries is NOT civilized for the modern world and the future. That's why the OIC countries are lukewarm to cold about Islam Hadhiri. It would imply that the Islam practices they enforced today are "uncivilized" unsuitable for multi ethnic societies. Perhaps this demonstrates that Islam today is NOT tolerant of other cultures and people.
There is a recent conference in Kuala Lumpur that focused on re-inventing Islam. Interesting.
anton Lyn, Guangzhou, China
It wont be long time before malaysia becomes a islamic country and the religious minorities will be forced or coerced to convert to islam. If you the history of many countries such as pakistan, bangladesh, afghanistan, indonesia, egypt, syria etc which had a non-muslim majority are a minority now. Any one remember Hind Kush in afghanistan which literally means "Killer of Hindu".
freebird, Northampton, uk
Really...why does it bother the non-Muslim buggers how Muslims wish to live and govern their countries? If they don't like the Islamic laws, then they're free to leave and live wherever they can find laws of their choice. The unnecessary ruckus over anything Islamic is the real cause of conflicts all over the world. It is time that non-Muslims should mind their own business if they really believe their claim of "live and let live".
Abu Hussam, Karachi, Pakistan
To "Ray," no, the situation in Malaysia is NOT akin to rural Ireland before the 1960s. Repressive it may have been back then, but shari'a law is several orders of magnitudes worse. The only reason it doesn't seem so bad in Malaysia--yet--is because the country's sizable Hindu, Buddhist and smaller Christian minority populations still exert some influence...but for how much longer? The steps being taken in Malaysia now are toward the implementation of full-fledged shari'a rule.
Danielle McKane, San Jose, CA, USA
Radzi, it is one thing for individuals to find joy and solace in their beliefs, whether their faith is in Islam or otherwise. It is quite another to have that belief imposed on them. As the article correctly states, all Malays in Malaysia are considered by law to be Muslim, without the right to change their faith, even if they do not agree with it. Similarly, a puritanical view of "Islamic principle" is imposed on the entire population, Malay, Indian and Chinese, reaching even into the privacy of people's homes. This goes far beyond the "gentle reminder" that you suggest.
The issue here is not about religion, but individual human rights. Everyone should have the right to choose what they believe. And everyone should have the right to lead their lives without harassment from extremists. Governments cannot control how people think, just as they should not restrict people's freedom to lead their own lives in peace.
PNH, KL, Malaysia
About Ismail's comment.
Those sinful westerns laws are not meant to be valued as good or bad from a christian, muslim or atheist perspective. These laws create a space for citizens to express and live their own morals and cultures as long as they don't compromise the well being of other citizens.
That's is what most muslims don't get, laws are not about good and evil, laws are a balance between freedom and the well being of the majority. We are not criticizing that you think that showing too much skin is immoral, that's fine. What we are criticizing is the fact that you don't realize that your vision is yours and some other people would have different opinions and they (as well as you) should be able to live their lives their own way.
If an individual wants to marry someone of the same sex, why not as long as they let me and you marry who we want?
The concepts of secularism, ethics and moral relativism don't exist in the Islam world and that is the real problem, not traditions.
Dani R, Madrid, Spain
A respondent has said it again. Any criticism of religious zeal is called hatred!
Real hatred is 9/11, London bombs, Algerian nuns raped, Australian women harrassed by arabs, very young British girls groomed for sex by UK asians, bombing of nightclubs, Yasidi genocide, etc.
So-called religious people think it is right to kill innocent men, women and children in the name of their God. But isn't a murderer the worse kind of thief? To steal a person's future - and everything that they could become - is not doing the work of any god.
People are born equal. Mercy, compassion and charity should be for people of all religions. On TV, the 'Islam Channel' has charities only for Muslim causes but UK tsunami charities raised huge funds for every affected person regardless of religion. Even a small cafe in my town raised £400.
That was God's work, even from non-believers! Ordinary western people don't try to be so pure, but they are far more compassionate and merciful.
Joe, Sheffield, UK
malaysia says we are a modern islamic country and we respect other cultre and ethnic groups and everyone is equal but from my point of view this does not happen in malaysia. i was born in malaysia but i am a british citizen now and i was born to a mix parantage of chinese and indian. i have straight A`s on my SPM examnation but when i applied for a local university my application was rejected ....if you are a muslim student just have 1 A you get a place in the uni......so is this what been thought by islam to treat others?malaysia says all malaysians from different culture or religion we treat them same ....but you can ask any non muslim malaysians if they been treat same????malaysia is used to be a beautiful country and with tolerance but now it became a islam fanatic country.....i think before we follow any religion we should learn to be a normal human being frist. religion is about love and care about other s.when you follow that it means you are following your faith properly
miguel, london, united kingdom
I was born in Malaysia, and it saddens me more than I can described to see the damage that the Wahabbis are doing to what was once a vibrant, open, and tolerant country.
Unless Malays find the courage to tell the Saudis to go home and stop trying to dictate to all other Muslims, Malaysia will slip back into the stone age just like far too many other Muslim countries.
John C. Randolph, Cupertino, California, USA
Islamic principles seem to be all about Orwellian repression.Women and non Muslims seem to be particularly targets.Why is sex such an obsession? Are there no real crimes of violence and venality to attack and defeat? I suspect there are but "moral crimes" are easy to get at and create the most fear in the general population.It is all about control isn't it. Frighten people about headscarfs and they dont notice what leaders are doing to get and keep power . I long to hear about charitable intelligent Islam and its repudiation of medieval thinking.The principles must be better than the application of them by fundamentalists.
Frances , Tunbridge Wells, UK
Ismail, Maylasia is not a muslim country. Its 60% muslim. Should the rest then suffer under Sharia? We have many different views in the west on the things you listed, but we have the freedom to make that choice. We dont stone women for adultary or kill apostates who want to change from Islam to e.g. christianty. I lived in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Cairo and there was plenty fornication, prostitutes and masturbation there. In my school class i witnessed a lot of sexually repressed young men from well do do muslim homes, salivating over pornography. If people follow the spiritual teachings of Christ and Mohammed i.e. love your neighbour etc, then the world would be just fine. It is your ilk which chooses to politicise your faith and make it a partizan badge of honour. Secularism in the middle east has failed because you lot all love to be told what to do.
stephen, GLASGOW,
Radzi KL of Malasia doesn't have a clue about religions other than Islam. Firstly, a high proportion of people in the west are, thankfully, at the very least agnostic so are guided by individual conscience, while christianity, judaism or hinduism for example are not remotely as prescriptive as is Islam, which seeks to dictate every aspect of its followers lives. .As an occasional visitor to Malasia I found the creeping Islamisisation of Malasian society and state disturbing, particualrly in view of the very large minority of non-islamic citizens. Render unto Caesar ..
Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK
Malaysia a true democracy where you can chose between religious and secular laws. The Islamic party who rules Kelantan state is not a self imposed dictatorship or a forced occupation of a state (like israel). The party is being elected by the people in a transparent and democratic manner. Therefore it is very un-ethical and logically silly of anyone to accuse the morality enforcers or state government. While as far as comments from non-Muslims on the subject are so just a statement for them: Just Shut Your Loud Mouthsand mind your own businesses. Thanks
Hikmat, Kandahar, Afghanistan
I think we have to let Islamic countries get on with it.
If they want to radicalise then so be it.
I assume the majority of people in Malaysia agree to this radicalisation.
If the Islamic way is truly the greatest way to organise a society then it will flourish however if its not it will collapse probably a lot quicker than communism did in the 90's.
j singh, london, UK
Two countries, India and Pakistan, both born at the same time. One is a democracy and pulling itself up by its bootstraps to become a modern state capable of giving anyone a run for their money, the other a basket case. Why this difference?
mike mines, london, uk
Wait until they see their tourism plummet as they become more Islamic, then maybe the authorities will see the economic damage they inflict.
I have decided in the last few months to rule out visiting any Islamic country, other than Africa, where the people go about their religion in a quiet dignified way & I have never heard the wailing from minarets.
As someone who has always enjoyed travel & learning about other cultures , this is quite a significant decision.
When on my travels, I do not want to see women in depressing black Burkas & Hijabs or to think about the sort of lives they lead.
I don't want to be awakened to the sound of the call to prayer,
I don't want to worry about what I wear.
These days everytime I see a man with a beard I feel I am having Islam slapped in my face , which is equivalent to them seeing a woman woman expose her hair.
This is the backlash, of the Islamists work, we now know what they think of us, so we will go elsewhere, & no way will they get my cash.
Maggie Millington, Brittany , France
Radzi, it is one thing for individuals to find joy and solace in their beliefs, whether their faith is in Islam or otherwise. It is quite another to have that belief imposed on them. As the article correctly states, all Malays in Malaysia are considered by law to be Muslim, without the right to change their faith, even if they do not agree with it. Similarly, a puritanical view of "Islamic principle" is imposed on the entire population, Malay, Indian and Chinese, reaching even into the privacy of people's homes. This goes far beyond the "gentle reminder" that you suggest.
The issue here is not about religion, but individual human rights. Everyone should have the right to choose what they believe. And everyone should have the right to lead their lives without harassment from extremists. Governments cannot control how people think, just as they should not restrict people's freedom to lead their own lives in peace.
PNHK, KL, Malaysia
Kevin Liu is absolutely right. I have been visiting this country on work for some twenty years now and while it was conservative in religion in the past it is turning fundamentalist these days, and increasingly so. The fact also is that the country is growing increasingly unable to compete for international business while other Asian nations outstrip it in growth and in the quality of their services and products. This is the kind of hopelessness that the fundamentalists thrive on and the situation is certain to get worse. If it were not for the token oil and gas reserves that Malaysia has and for the high cholesterol palm oil that the country sells the world's poor, it would long have gone bankrupt. Now, the increase in ISlamic fundamentalism threatens to do just that - take it on a path to becoming the next Nigeria, or worse.
MK, Chicago, IL, USA
it is easy, it is not the religion that cause trouble,, it is the people that damaged the religion's image... juz bcoz some muslim become suicide bomber,, u cant blame the religion.. get the fact right and hope for a peace world..
king, malaysia,
What a tragedy it is that freedom of choice and liberty are taken as a result of a specific interpretation of a religion. What a boring homogenous world it must be where human liberty, emotion and relationships are hampered in the name of Islam.
Tom, London, England
Zak said: "If you don't like it, leg it, obey the law of the land and stick to performing in your own countries. "
Too bad Muslims don't seem to live by this rule when they come to live in the West.
I wish these savages would just "leg it", but I guess the dole and free health care just too good to give up.
Lori Expat, Toronto, Canada
I just can't be bothered with Islam, Christianity, Staunch Atheism or any other misinterpreted view telling me what to 'obey' or what is rationally correct. Seems there are crackpots on both sides of the fence who want nothing other than to suffocate their alleged enemies into a submissive will. There's a common line that threads Richard Dawkins, the Radical Mullahs and the Evangelicals all together. It seems I'm not able to judge for myself what is good and decent without some bogeyman butchering my views. I believe in the romanticism of the spirit but that doesn't make me an infantile child prepared to follow whatever dogma seems most convenient to my being in the world.
Michael Simpson, Leeds, UK
Islam is a primitive religion. Its Koran preaches hatred, racism and violence against followers of other faiths. The non-Muslims in Malaysia are doomed. The Malay Muslims there will suffer too as Islam gains ascendancy in the country.
JC, Hong Kong, China
Malaysias quality of life is well on its way to be destroyed by this fascist religion which should be banned in all non muslim countries.
victor almeida, delhi, india
"The moral enforcement department" : that says it all, doesn't it ? Where is George Orwell when you need him ?
Patrick Wright , Winnipeg, Canada
Religion seems to attract control freaks who get their kicks from stopping others from enjoyable pursuits and punishing sinners in imaginative ways. Islam is most prominent at this time, but Christianity had its share in the past (still some remnants), and who would want to live the life of an Orthodox Jew?
And for what? The Muslim heaven seems to be an orgy on drugs, the Christian heaven indescribably boring, and the Jews don't even have one as far as I can discover.
Live and let live, I say.
Charles, Charlottesville,
It is clear from the world's booming Internet pornography business, that many human males seek sexual satisfaction from websites. I cannot imagine that none of the moral leaders of Malasia's Muslim communities haven't logged on and had a good look - and committed the so-called "immoral" act of masturbation. Any belief that sexual urgings can be absolutely controlled by the Mullahs is laughable - and they know it themselves. I bet there are some of them online right now - but not looking at the BBC's site.
Luke Fisher, ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The radical muslims tend to have tunnel visions.
They are only interested in power and control over
people, even if it means moving backwards to
the dark ages.
ks, London, UK
There was hope for a modern state in Malaysia in the early 1950's - but the British prevented that by killing as many modernisers as neccessary and then handed the country to the Islamic Tunkus. Divide and conquer my be expedient in the short term but the long term effects may strike the perpetrator.
Robert Bennett, Ennis,
As an Australian living just south of these millions of Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia, I worry about the future of my kids and grand kids.
They have one agenda, and that is to make us all come under their Muslim laws.
I personally ,and many of my countrymen have absolutely no respect at all for these people.
My God, all I forsee is religious wars, bombings etc.
Why does this religion teach so much hate?
old cliffie, sydney, Oz
Radzi - what right does Islam have to impose its rules on others who are not believers in the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? If it is a case of when in Rome, do as the Romans do, why do Muslims not conform to the conventions and way of life in other countries? Muslims really want to have it all ways and not allow other people their right to live their lives according to what they believe, don't they.
Godfrey Bouillon, Wallingford, UK
Malaysia is a great hope for moderate Islam but if this puritanical streak continues unabated, it will dim the hope of co-existence between Islam and the modern world as well as start the process of destroying the foundation of a modern economy.
Malaysians of all stripe, I hope you see the error before it's too late!
Jack, Leeds,
If breakfast for you includes ham and eggs, or a bacon sandwich, spiced up with a gin and tonic, which perusing a copy of "Hot Chicks and Hot Metal" (I take it for the Gardening Page), I suggest you give Malaysia a miss.
Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan
This is another example of how the religion of Islam can only survive by supressing its people into a life of rules and regulations. The only way it can survive is to take its followers back to the dark ages hidding and supressing its comon people while its leaders enjoy the rich pickings of wealth accumilated by the people it supresses. Muslims should unite and have their own 'Enlightenment' only then can they move forward to the modern world.
Susan , Stirling,
Malaysia before long will be like Pakistan or Iran or Saudi Arabia: These countries are all shining examples of othodox Islam (i.e. true Islam) showing constant hatred and violence and repression towards non-Muslims.
It is inevitable that people repressed by Islam will need to take up arms in order to ensure their safety and continued security. The only thing that Islam understands is violence. The Nazis were the same: They were only stopped using violence.
Mark, Portsmouth, UK
Ray (London), I don't wish to criticise, but really, "rural Ireland before the 60's"? Yes, it might have been treated with an iron fist by the clergy treating the people as though they were subordinates (which many unfortunately allowed themselves to be) but it has to be said that the clergy were in no way comparable to the Taliban. It is very sad that in today's world there are so many who are controlled by what are no better than religious maniacs, who will stop at nothing, even murder, in an attempt to impose their beliefs on others. What an outrage it is that they see this behaviour as just and "holy" - and done in the name of their God!
Eamonn, Dublin, Ireland
Can you imagine the outrage across the world if a Western European country had a constitution that said any European born in that country was a Christian and that any non-Europeans who married a native European would have to convert?
John, Tonbridge,
That's exactly it though: "fathers of old". Times change, society and religions evolve. If people "must obey the rules" then what freedoms are there? Surely people have the right to choose to be as religious/secular as they choose? Is it morally right for a government to force its people to follow a religious doctrine?
S, London,
The more one reads in relation to Islam, even so-called moderate muslims, the more worried about the future I become. Apostate condeming intolerant Islam is THE biggest threat to civilisation i.e. individual freedom, this century. The modern, prevalent form of Islam is a social disease which propagates itself through fear and reprisal. Turkey is Islams shining light (i.e. Spiritual Islam not social control), if it falls Allah forbid the consequnces. The immigration debate is flawed because politicians refuse to state the truth. Immigration is positive just dont let the muslims in. Iran must not, under any circumstance, get nuclear weapons. Islam believes non-belivers to be of lesser value than muslims. If you have evan a little moral authority its a slippery slope...
stephen, GLASGOW,
Things have gone seriously wrong if young men truly don't want to see Gwen Stefani in a mini skirt. Have they been indoctrinated or are they saying what they think they should say?
Google said that the most common search word in Pakistan is "sex".
i've been to Malaysia many times and Penang island is your best bet now with its ethnic Chinese majority.
None of this is a problem for tourists, however. It's still a lovely country with a gentle people
sam roberts, london, UK
Islam just makes it impossible for any other religion or culture to co-exist. It's just about domination and enforcement of outdated and often illogical beliefs.
Arun, Glasgow,
Malaysian Islamic authority are hypocrites. Their action on morality are usually targeted on common citizens. They would not dare to check on the rich and in particular, politicians.
Corruption is rampant in the country and despite the control by Muslims in most if not all Government departments including the Police.
The government has a policy to discriminate minorities in education, business and housing. It is a country where the majority Malay promote their supremacy "Ketuanan Melayu" which is in some way similar to the master race in Nazism.
The current Prime Minister of Malaysia is promoting its brand of Islam called Islam Hadhari - Civilizational Islam, whatever it means.
No doubts religion and race issues are being used to gain power in Malaysia and things are getting worse.
Richard, London, UK
Malaysia is a wonderful country but it is sad to know that it feels the need to follow the Wahabbi ways. However, why did the Prophet Mohammed say that after his death, there would be 73 sects in Islam and 72 of them would be cast into hellfire while the true one would go to Paradise? How would any Muslim be sure that he or she is following the right one? Plus, there are 4 schools of Sharia - which one is the true one?
Carolyn, Surbiton,
'Some nonMuslim Chinese and Indians feel increasingly treated like second-class citizens.'. Actually they ARE second class citizens. They are virtually shut off from government positions, have all sorts of racial criteria in their business opportunities, their children are subjected to racial quotas for higher education and they have to pay more when buying property. By the way, Malaysia is and was never supposed to be a Muslim state and its people from all religions used to integrate happily, but years of politicising and pampering to the Muslim community has created a part of the society that cannot live without easy handouts. Some Muslims may think they are the kings in Malaysia, but it is because they are so weakened and dependent that they cling on to the religion to cover their inferiority complex. Unless all Malaysians wise up soon, this situation will only deteriorate to the detriment of everyone
Peter Meh, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Radzi, it is one thing for individuals to find joy and solace in their beliefs, whether their faith is in Islam or otherwise. It is quite another to have that belief imposed on them. As the article correctly states, all Malays in Malaysia are considered by law to be Muslim, without the right to change their faith, even if they do not agree with it. Similarly, a puritanical view of "Islamic principle" is imposed on the entire population, Malay, Indian and Chinese, reaching even into the privacy of people's homes. This goes far beyond the "gentle reminder" that you suggest.
The issue here is not about religion, but individual human rights. Everyone should have the right to choose what they believe. And everyone should have the right to lead their lives without harassment from extremists. Governments cannot control how people think, just as they should not restrict people's freedom to lead their own lives in peace.
PNH, KL, Malaysia
If you don't like it, leg it, obey the law of the land and stick to performing in your own countries.
Tough.
Zak, London, UK
I can see from some of these comments that prejudice against Islam is high even among educated people. However, this is quite natural. Especially when Islam is on the rise and this is creating fear in hearts of many that soon it might take over their own civilisation. This results in paranoia which prevents a person from thinking reasonably. Hence we see totally absurd statements which are worthy of ridicule. I have much faith in majority of people who are reasonable and tolerant and do not wish to impose their views and values on other cultures and civilisations. I believe that east and west will soon learn to love each other. This will happen when we all get rid of our fears and we learn to appreciate the unique cultures and wonderful customs of one another. Many people on all sides are still unware of the beauty that is out there.
Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK
Well, what else you expect? remeber, as oposed to western democracies, where it took a lot of suffering to separate church from state, for muslims are one and the same, so all this and more is to be expected across the muslim world. Religion has no respect for dissent, for it is dogmatic.
carlos caraballo, montevideo, uruguay
Malaysia is indeed modern and "moderate". But Mr. Meo has failed to say who is repossible for that. For those who do'nt know the country, it is non-Malay muslim population, in particular the chinese, who should be thanked by outsiders, in particular the west.
For Malays, like Radzi, Hassans and Najibs, I would like to out the following question: where would the country be today if you did not have the hard working non-Malay muslims?
Sacha Aceituno, Paris ,
What did you expect when all in Malaysian way of live was suddenly turned upside down only because of religion. I'm not surprise, author of this artice let others to name that as Islam's crusaide. Where is so widely promote Islamic tolerance?
Bartek, Oxford,
that the true of Islam, the way of life for everyone who totally believe, and practice it. Because Islam was coming to teach, guide and correct what should n shouldn't for all human being. Islam is practical not just rule of theoretical.
Kamal, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Ismail, that is where we differ. You may not wish to do those things, and for what it's worth neither do I. Yet we allow others to do so without fear of death. And Muslims have attacked us - remember 9/11, London and Madrid, countless others?
Ben, York,
Radzi, KL, Malaysia
He has done his research. It is all good and well if Islamic and Shariah law is applied only to Muslims. However, as the segregation between the ethnic nonMuslims and Malays deepens, the racial tensions simmering below the surface of ignorance is exacerbated by the rise in the prominence of Islamic law in our multicultural society.
It doesnt help that politicians in high standing in UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) brandish their sword (keris) in a political party's general assembly, calling for the blood of nonMuslim ethnic Chinese!
It is not too late yet, but if our leaders do not act to stop ethnic tensions, the worst case scenario will be the descent into civil war. It may take 50 or 100 years to come to fruition, but that is definately the direction we are headed.
Chee, Coventry,
I emigrated abroad to the UK from Malaysia, and as a non-Muslim who was discriminated against when it came to scholarships, university places and countless other minor matters in life. Reading this article brings back memories of the bad old days in Malaysia - good riddance to rubbish like that! I'm so glad I emigrated, and undoubtedly as are many other talented Chinese - Malaysia's loss I suppose.
Keep bringing on those Islamic policies - there'll be nothing left but old people and young puritans soon - with no middle ground and no money.
TTC, London, UK
Everone is born atheist. It takes another person to change that and it depends on who that person is and what religion they hold. I was in malaysia for a year and had some very good friends, muslims as well but it wasn't shoved down your throat. A previous comment made the point that it is very Orwellian, they are right.
m wilson, bidache, france
Radzi from Malaysia states that if an Islamic person breaks their "principles", it is the responsibility of the others to "remind them of their wrongdoing"! And they do this by stoning the "wrongdoer" to death? Or by commiting mass murder with suicide bombs? Or by flying planes into buildings and killing thousands of innocent people? Oh, sorry, maybe I should call the innocent victims "wrongdoers"! The "religion of peace"? We are constantly told that the vast majority of Muslims are moderates: if this is indeed the case, why do we hardly ever hear from them, condemning the atrocities committed in THEIR name?
Eamonn, Dublin, Ireland
Malaysia used to be a vibrant multi-cultural country but these days their democracy has gone downhill in the name of Islam. Most things are state controlled including the media. The ethnic minorities are marginalised. It is no wonder these minorities are sending their children for better life abroad at great expense. Without the hard-working minorities, the country will go downhill. Just look at Indonesia after they had discriminated and expelled the hard-working chinese.
gs, London, UK
I dont need exterior religion and believe no one has the right to impose his or her religion , rules or dress code on to me or anyone else . I cant understand why pop singers should dress up or down for the sake of religions , but there again their mangement companies and investors need all the cash they can get their hands on.
Andrew, Paris , France
The image of Islam damaged? How could that be?
MAX, Willimantic, USA, CT
This was rural; Ireland before the 60's. Thankfully now , with education, and pluralism it has been confined to the bin.
The same will happen to Islam. If something is so great and real you dont need anyone to police it. The reason that they police it is that they know its based on a bed of straw and will collapse without fear.
Ray, London, UK
By the author's admission, some 40% of the country is non-Muslim. If Islamic repression of these minorities increases, it is likely there will be civil disobedience and the state will start to fall apart.
This is just more evidence to back the contention that Islam is hell-bent on the subjugation of non-Muslims.
BigE, London, UK
We’ve done our homework, M or Ms Radzi, and we know that not all Muslims agree with your vision of Islam as the religion of the muttawas. I’ve lived in Taiwan for 25 years and frequently visited Malaysia. I witnessed the disturbing transformation of your country from a place of multiethnic and multireligious harmony where women rights were respected into a wahhabi kingdom wanabee. Religious minorities and women’s right are being infringed upon, there is a strong push for religious segregation. If this is virtue, then virtue is ugly.
Kevin Liu, Taipei, Taiwan
It is none of your business Mr Taipei. Malaysia is a Muslim state and has the right to apply the Islamic Sharia. There is no reason for you to show this kind of hatred for Muslims. Have the Muslim leaders imposed their Islamic law on your country? You believe in same-sex marriage and many other things that are considered sinful in Islam, though we don't organise crusades to conquer your countries, as what you do against the Arab and Islamic countries. You are ok with infidelity, fornication, buggery, same-sex marriage...etc but we as Muslims do not launch such venomous attack on those people who have different views; we try to breach and correct in a nice way. By the way the principles of Islam are similar to those of the Christianity. If your fathers of the old were still alive, they would differ with you over such irreligious ideology.
Ismail, Gaza, Palestine
Take note. This sort of thing is coming to parts of Britain too - and sooner than you think.
Herbert Thornton, Victoria, Canada
I dont care what they do in their own counrty but I resent seeing them over in Europe forcing it down my throat.
Michael Campbell , londonderry, n ireland
Mr/Ms Nick Meo, you should do your homework about Islam first before writing this article.Every religion have their principles and laws to be followed.There are reason to why this principles existed.In Islam,if someone broke this principles, its the responsible for other Muslim to remind them of their wrong doing. Having a religion is like having a way of life.You must obey the rules.You are making other religion (refering to your article:Islam) look bad with your writing.
Radzi, KL, Malaysia
On the main page, the heading says "Islam's crusade". Such language suggests either ignorance or insensitivity. Imagine a Malaysian paper referring to a "Cristian jihad"!?
Anatoly Panov, Moscow, Russia
When Islam gains too much power, Fascism results: total control of 'morality', total control of a person's will.
It all seems very Orwellian.
Ethan, Tampa, FL, USA
Yet another country devastated by islam, I'd never comtemplate visiting.
Orwell's 1984 will come true once these fanatics obtain the technology.
Until then, they suffice to "manual" spying and lawgiven mind control, Gestapo style.
As islam radicalizes in Malaysia, so will their economy come to a standstill - as is has in all radical islamic states with the exception of those few seeped in oil.
Gerald B., Aarhus, Denmark
Let's call spade a spade, it's obscurantism. These Muslim leaders have shown their true colours.
Eli, Taipei,