A self-righteous form of bigotry even Marina Mahathir (if that’s any consolation to Surin) has expressed when referring to ‘confused Muslims’ in this context.

First and foremost there is no unqualified constitutional right to the practice of any other faith in Malaysia guaranteed by the constitution as espoused by some. Especially the legal fraternity of Malaysia.

The qualified right in the consitution is subject to the powers and obligations of the King and the various state authorities including the sultans to protect and to preserve the primacy of Islam amongst Muslim and Malay [Malaysian] subjects, and then the caveat that the practice of any other religion other than Islam is subject to peace and harmony in its practice and the exercise of that limited and qualified right.

The fact there are many Malays (like other Malaysians) who may be uneducated or ignorant or confused simpletons is not an excuse by an aggressive bunch of prozelytising provocateurs to engage in what’s clearly a provocation of a ‘hornet’s nest’ of religious sensitivities amongst Malay [Malaysians] in a tinderbox political environment.

Interestingly this Chevening scholar has Malay [Malaysian] friends, (and I am sure male and Indian [Malaysian] friends as well). Why are her friends qualified as being Malay or Indian or by any other qualififcation? Does she not see the pseudo-liberal hypocrisy in her latent prejudices which betray her in her statement? Why can’t they just be friends?

Therein Ms Surin lies the difficulty in a place like Malaysia to reconcile the differences between races and religions. Of their own volition, the other races have built and continue to build a barrier around themselves to the exclusion of Malay [Malaysians] and Muslims unless it is for a sinister purpose like conversions.

This problem and separateness has existed for centuries nurtured by the British who left more than a flawed constitution behind. They left the non-Malays many of whom would not assimilate behind. And in the absence of a more convincing argument than that carried by you and your colleagues here, that includes you.

Morocco, like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, has its own peculiar identity regardless of its Islamic heritage. Having a largely Islamic population does not mean they are similar to Malaysia or ought to be or that Islamic states are a generic blue brand without character of their own. Perhaps you ought to read a little more about Islamic secularism, the Turks and the birth of the Islamic Brotherhood which Nasser and the West drove to the fanaticism that has produced Ayman Al Zawahari.

Your gratuitous comments on this subject are an insult. Not too different to that of Gandhi’s to the Anglo Indians (justifiably so in that particular case). The Anglo Indians like many non-Malay [Malaysians] of today at the time acted as surrogates of the British and an obstacle to independence.

Of them he said, “Monuments to British adultery in the east, possessing the virtues of neither but the vices of both”.

This subject requires a lot more sensitivity than you and your publication through selective publication of the communities’ responses (censorship with an excuse that it breaches your somewhat obscure policy guidelines) are capable of handling.

Come on grow up. Allow your readers to seek a wider (even if unacceptable) view of things here.

Gopal Raj Kumar

The song is so old:
(1) The [Christians/Buddhists/Hindus/Chinese/Indians/Others] are trampling on your rights again!
(2) The Malays are under threat!
(3) All Malays must unite against aforesaid threat! (See Item 1)
(4) We, Umno is the only party by Malays for Malays that will ensure that the threat is kept at bay! Only we can ultimately safeguard your rights!
(5) without UMNO you are all dead!!! DEAD YOU HEAR ME???

There’s nothing illogical about either comment. While you may choose to make the distinction between the Christian God and the Muslim God, the Qur’an does not – protesting, website-hacking and firebombing Malaysian Muslims notwithstanding – and that is the point here, given that this is an issue powered by malcontents within the local Muslim community.

As quoted in another Nut Graph article on the recent statement made by the Islamic Society of North America in praise of the High Court ruling, surah Al-Ankaboot, 46 of the Qur’an reads: ‘And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, “We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam).”‘ (trans. Yusuf Ali)

In any case, the story is the same on the other side of the fence. The Catechism the Catholic Church states: ‘The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.’ (CCC 841)

Sean,

Thanks for putting my sentiments into words better that I ever could have. Sternum? Brilliant.

Buddhism affirms that life is the most precious of treasures, and attacks like these are an affront to the dignity of life. I believe that dialogue and consultation, together with correct education, is the only sure way of appreciating one another’s beliefs and overcoming our differences.

I am glad that most Malaysians have not chosen to respond in anger. Christians and Muslim leaders have called for calm and have expressed willingness to resolve the differences through dialogue.

Recently, at the kind invitation of an old friend, I attended a Christmas service at a church in Singapore with other friends. I also met many Muslims who called for more understanding among people of different beliefs. And I love Amazing Grace; it’s a beautiful and moving song. Recently, I have been reading more books on Islam and attending more events by Islamic organisations, and I am impressed by the progressive and humanistic view of the Muslims at these events.

Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr wrote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The attacks on the churches are not just injustices on the Muslims and Christians; they are also a threat to the peace and happiness of people of other faiths, and also those who do not profess a religion.

I hope that Malaysians will unite against this small group of people who are attempting to subdue us through hatred and bigotry.