GE2013: Religion as a permanent variable in Malaysian politics?

This general election will see the growing role of religion in politics. If in the past it was Islam, the assertiveness of the other faith communities is emerging as a factor too as they begin to claim their rights and identities.

‘Political Islam’ and Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad — Part Two

The moderate Islamist in Malaysia must address two key issues: First, that a “Malay culture of modernity” (which is indispensable to genuine Malay progress) cannot be created in the face of, and certainly not built upon the foundation of any capitulation to, “Islamic illiberalism”; and second, without “Malay modernity” there can be no effective, enduring and decent sharing of this land, and nation, between Malays and everybody else, argues Clive Kessler.

‘Political Islam’ and Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad – Part One

Clive Kessler analyses closely the assurance provided by Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad that the Islamist party’s version of political Islam is of the moderate version.

The pathologies of Malay nationalism

Racism and bigotry are crutches or shields for the journey towards European type progress for the Malays, and ultimately Malay dignity.

The inexorable pursuit of an Islamic State

Why the fascination with an Islamic State?

The ups and downs of Islamic education in Malaysia

Azmel Tayeb discusses the developments of Islamic education in Malaysia and its political implications.

Constructing the deviant ‘other’ – religious traditionalism in contemporary Malaysia

Norshahril Saat discusses Islamic religious traditionalism in Malaysia. He concludes, ” that It remains doubtful whether genuine reforms can emerge from within traditionalism. However, the traditionalist religious elite do need to be constantly challenged by an orientation that not only focuses on literal injunctions and forms, but one that emphasises the humanitarian spirit, universal values and principles. What is perhaps more important is the need for the development of alternative orientation that is grounded in the rich and progressive intellectual heritage of Islam and other civilisations.”

Malaysia’s fraudulent elections – Part 3

Ong Kian Ming provides evidence of electoral fraud in Malaysia.

PAS and Islam after regime change

This gallery contains 1 photo.

The “solution” to the “problem” of Islam in Malaysian politics—if one believes that Islam is indeed a problem—is the same as the solution to many of the other issues that face contemporary Malaysian society: a post-ethnic movement (not merely a multi-ethnic one) in which Malaysians identify, assemble, and act as Malaysians rather than as representatives of ethnic groups in a zero-sum competition for power and resources.

Race-based ideology and Islam: The Malaysian enigma

Seeing ‘Malays’, ‘Bumiputeras’, and ‘Muslims’ being juxtaposed next to each other certainly stirs up curiosity as to what actually has the third group (Muslims) to do with the other two: Does Islam teach race-based ideology or race-favouritism? Is it true that Islam requires the advancement of ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ (Malay Supremacy)? Joshua Woo analyses this question.