Stop hijacking democratic space, this is Malaysia
In a functioning democracy, it is the right of the people to discuss any issue of importance.
A residents’ association can discuss about a proposed incinerator project in their neighbourhood. Single mothers could meet to talk about career opportunities and maybe better facilities for childcare. In fact, it is impossible to list out what could be taken up as an issue in our country. This is the goodness of democracy.
The mob of protesters who disrupted a forum in Penang on 14 May is the latest example that our democratic space to discuss issues affecting us is being hijacked.
Most frightening is the fact that these “hijackers” are motivated by a seized mentality. Any mention about Islam, Malay or Bumiputera rights, or Chin Peng would drive some into frenzied mood.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz condemned the protest against the forum and described it as “Stupid act!”
Nazri should know better as Parliament is a venue where such “Stupid act!” is played out.
The classic act was one by MP for Jerai who screamed: “This is an Islamic country. If you don’t like it, you can get out” in response to DAP’s assertion that Malaysia is a secular state.
The recent controversy over the documentary film “Lelaki Komunis Terakhir” is another example.
Protesters have not even watched the film but their pressures are strong enough to get the permit to screen the film revoked although the Censorship Board had approved it without cut.
The Inter-Faith Commission, Article 121(1A). NEP, 30% Bumiputera equity, national language are some jargons that can put hijackers into action.
Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang is concerned that one day, DAP MPs would have to abandon their speeches when these hijackers stage protests outside Parliament.
Finally, the protest had marred the image of Malaysia as it happened on the eve of a five-day Meeting of International Experts on Human Rights in Islam in Kuala Lumpur.
WE call on the government to ensure Malaysians that their human rights to associate and freedom of expression are not compromised.
Mr Chow,
The Interfaith Commission is asking for something the Muslims cannot allow to happen. It is not the Muslim’s decision to push aside Syariah Law in favour of civil law. Allah the Almighty instructs Muslims to adhere to HIS law… any other laws are inferior to HIS laws. Will a Muslim give up Allah’s law?
The non-Muslims do not (or rather, WOULD NOT) understand the Muslim’s sentiments when it come to upholding the Syariah law… The non-Muslims think that Allah’s law is like any civil or man-made laws which can be adjusted, manipulated, or ammended any way humans see fit. But Allah’s laws are cast in stone. There is no compromise when we deal with HIS laws, because we are not trying to please humans but Him!
So, the Interfaith Commission will not get anyway, Allah willing. Interfaith Commission’s demands are stupid, infantile and reflect the non-muslims’ recalcitrant nature in refusing to acknowledge that this is an Islamic country. The fact that non-Muslims are allowed to have a fair share of existence in this land is proof that the Muslims of this country are tolerant enough to give you guys some space to breathe and live in. Do NOT ask for too much. Like the saying: Kalau tak suka, balik negara asal lu lah! Go back to China where you originate (since your ancestors’ days), if you think you can survive there. If you choose to stay here, give some respect to your host.
Comment by pemerhati_msia — Wednesday, 17-05-2006 @ 14: 49.39
Comments like these from permerhati msia and Malaysians of similar mindset are evidence of three things:
- the insecurity of their lot
- the dogmatic approach to Islam that has become prevalent
- the fascim that is creeping into the Malay mindset
To say that the Syariah is “God’s Law set in stone” just goes to prove my assertion of the dogma that has crept into how Islam is practiced. The Syariah is man’s interpretation of what God has revealed in the Quran, peppered with the purported Sayings and Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, plus the opinions of Islamic jurists over the centuries.
And the other racially slurred comments… well, what did I say abuot fascism?
Comment by walski69 — Friday, 19-05-2006 @ 23: 05.31
Walski69,
I do not know if you are a Malay/Muslim, but if you are a Muslim (you do not have to tell me), my advice to you is to revisit your Islamic studies and see where you have fallen off. And if indeed you are a Muslim, see where your liberal thinking has overshadowed your Islam knowledge. If you are not a Muslim, maybe you should learn about Islam FIRST, and when you know enough, then you can comment.
The funny thing is, the non-Muslims seem to be commenting on Islamic issues as though they know the religion enough. You may be a first class scholar on many diverse things but as long as Islam is not one of them, you are not qualified to say anything about it. Period. But then again, I would be depriving myself some laughs… sigh*
Comment by pemerhati_msia — Monday, 22-05-2006 @ 17: 21.15