Yesterday, the second in rank (next to the prime minister and the King) came out on behalf of his “bosses” and declared Malaysia an Islamic state based on the fact that we have an official religion (even though we are governed by a constitution based on British civil law).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Tuesday Malaysia is not a secular state but an Islamic nation with its own interpretation.
He said the country had never been affiliated to secularism but was always driven by the fundamentals of Islam as it is clearly stated in the constitution that Islam is the official religion.
“Islam is the official religion and we are an Islamic state. But as an Islamic state, it does not mean that we don’t respect the non-Muslims. The Muslims and the non-Muslims have their own rights (in this country),” he told reporters after officiating the “International Conference on the Role of Islamic States in a Globalised World” on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at a hotel here.
You can find the entire article here.
Backlash-wise, today, groups made headlines in The Star protesting this “announcement” saying that we are really secular more than religious. Yes, historically, we ARE secular but when we look at M’sia today, well…we are still living in denial.
Frankly if we look at the true meaning of secularism, Malaysia IS NOT a secular state. We have an official religion and even though we have the constitution, we put in policies that favour Muslims over non-Muslims (think of the NEP). Even our leaders have made mention many times of the non-possible rule of a non-Muslim premier! Nil actually found it funny and surprising when my dad told him that M’sia was to be and IS a secular state because France is a secular country and look at the difference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The thing is this: has Najib’s announcement changed anything? Not really. It only gave us something to argue over instead of looking at the bigger picture. For me, I had better start packing my bags coz I know where I stand now.
