Forgive my pessimism, but I think it’s a pointless debate that has become a talking point because Najib’s made a technical gaff. Ok, I’m calling his gaff a technicality when in fact the country officially operates like a constitutional democracy. See Chandra Muzaffar’s take if you really need to know. Or try Haris Ibrahim’s take (a more serious discussion, no doubt). I received an email about this also, with PKR lambasting the press lockdown on discussion of this issue.
When I first caught sight of the news on blogs about a press lockdown, and the various discussions that ensued, I first thought it was all pointilist garbage: pedantic, useless and ultimately doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground. I’ve had some time to think about it, and I now think that these arguments only have political utility. I agree, therefore, with Hafiz’s take but not completely.
I only have anecdotal evidence, so don’t sue me – and take this with a pinch of salt. When Catholics and Christians wish to apply to build churches, they face administrative hurdles that have nothing to do with procedure, as some have pointed out. One individual recounted a story to me about how a particular Christian community had been applying for a license to build a church for 10 years, with no success. The reason the official gave him: that the license should be issued – but that his religion forbids him to support another religion.
Weird, eh? But this story isn’t new, and there are many others around. You just have to sit down in some kopitiams and talk to some lawyers and such about it. They’ll tell you stories – most of them anecdotal, no doubt – and you start to understand why there are non-Muslims who fear “Islamizationâ€. Because it’s been happening.
So when Najib calls Malaysia an Islamic state, he might be technically wrong, but no one can deny that morality snoop squads, detention in rehabilitation centres, not sitting with non-Muslims who aren’t halal (huh?), Lina Joy being denied her rights, etc. all point to a glaring fact:
If we aren’t an Islamic state officially, we seem to be becoming one in reality. To me, at least – dissenting comments welcome.
So does the recent outcry in the blogosphere make sense? Like I’ve said, I agree that it’s politically useful to squeeze BN’s balls over this controversial statement, but really, does it make a difference? People who are inclined to think that Najib was wrong are the same people who are inclined to think that the opposition should win more seats in parliament. The rest – witness MCA’s anemic response – are just going to stick to their guns and believe that MCA will continue to protect their interests, if they just compromise a bit more…
Same difference.