That liberalism, pluralism menace

The writer takes a cynical and satirical look on how the Malays must come to terms with themselves.

COMMENT

Liberalism and pluralism have engulfed the nation, and this negative phenomenon is slowly afflicting the Malays, causing them to turn away from the path of righteousness.

Even Umno which has been lovingly protecting the Malays for the last 50 years and the various religious authorities are now watching open-mouthed in horror as liberalism sweeps across the land unhindered – infecting unsuspecting Muslims.

Yes, once this affliction manifests itself, it will cause widespread confusion among the Malays causing them to question themselves, question the state and question their religious beliefs. Sometimes they may even question each other.

Some are already questioning why there is so much repression of their individual freedoms, in comparison to the non-Malays. Unable to control themselves, they are also starting to question the royalty, the state and the religion.

And worse, they are now questioning the hand that feeds them (Umno). Some are even questioning the need for Malay supremacy. How disappointing is that?

It is a pity that there are so few organisations like Perkasa around to protect Malay rights. Ibrahim Ali is a rare breed and he epitomises the true towering Malay.

Racism has been around in Malaysia for half a century, so why bother to dismantle it? And why must they blame Umno for looking after the Malays with affirmative action, when MCA and MIC conveniently ignored their own people? Great leaders like Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reaffirmed that those race-based parties are here to stay. PAS is but a fine example.

When there was lack of jobs for the Malays, Umno absorbed them into the civil service. Yet the Malays remain unappreciative of the fact, due largely to liberalism.

They think if they choose Pakatan Rakyat, there will be more individual freedom and liberal thought. They think there will be lesser interference to the way they want to live.

Malays have been warned

That’s why, what Nurul Izzah said also had me and the whole nation quite confused, even though I can “a little speaking”. What she said was too liberal and the Malays must not entertain such pluralistic thoughts. The younger generation could go quite berserk.

The state doesn’t ask very much of the Malays. Only once every five years to give them our mandate to carry on whatever they are doing and they will leave us alone to our fate. And yet some Malays seem to think that the state wants to control our minds and our thoughts.

Already, Umno has warned us many times that PAS is out to get us, and if we believe in their extreme ideologies, we will be even more entrapped. Let Pakatan Rakyat deceive the public with its Malaysia for Malaysian slogans or a caring government that will serve the people and accord all citizens individual freedoms.

The Malays do want to be part of such liberal ideologies. We are contented with the status quo and many of us are preparing in earnest for the hereafter.

Yes, liberalism has caused many Malays to leave Umno’s fold and to dine with the enemy (PAS). Today, there are many liberals in PAS, questioning Umno’s impeccable religious credentials, and even have the cheek to call Umno murtad (apostates). Now, isn’t that a little too extreme?

PAS’ consistency in belittling the faith of its Muslim political opponents shows that it lacks legitimacy as reformers, said Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein. Isn’t that food for thought?

Although liberalism has a broad meaning, it does not mean moderation. Moderation is practised by the Muslims in this country but PAS has a higher agenda and intent on introducing a more Islamic outlook. It is not contented that Malaysia is already an Islamic country and wants a purer and more unadulterated version. So the Malays will have to get ready for a better version to their existing way of life some day.

Religious authorities have made the call to curb liberalism among the Muslims. Compared to Muslims around the world, the Muslims in this country are relatively weak, especially the younger generation that needs to be constantly nurtured. A borderless world has distracted the Muslims from their focus, causing them to embrace liberalism and pluralism and to seek for political change. PAS Youth has called for more religious education to fill this vacuum.

Liberalism begets forgetfulness

Young Scholars Secretariat (Ilmu) working committee chairman Ustaz Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya said pluralism was an understanding which adopted extreme tolerant attitude based on western perspective.

“I am waiting for the National Fatwa Council to issue a clear fatwa [edict] on the understanding for Muslims to refer to,” he said. The fatwa needs to be implemented with strict religious action and enforcement to eradicate such ills effectively.

Meanwhile, the Ulama have questioned the Malays who believe in celebrating the diversity and plurality of Malaysian society. This is a tradition that should not be overly promoted as it may threaten the faith of Muslims.

Certain guidelines for proper intermingling have been drawn up as intermingling between the races has become too close for comfort.

What the government has done for the Malays in the past have been conveniently forgotten, and today the Malays have become rebellious. They have lost respect for the authorities and the government. This needs to be checked.

Liberalism has gone out of control until the Malays are willing to vote against the very government that has nurtured them from day one. It has gone so bad that the Malays cannot be depended upon to make the right choice even though they have been given the freedom to exercise their vote.

Today, even affirmative actions for the Malays are being questioned and dissected by liberal Malays themselves. They question the role of BTN (Biro Tata Negara or National Civics Bureau), and is efforts to unite the Malays.

Bad for health

They question why the Malays are repressed against their will. Ask any Malay out there whether they feel repressed. And if given the freedom, will they turn apostate? Of course not!

Even the banning of Bibles in the Malay language and the utterance of the word “God” has not stemmed the runaway liberalism the Malays are now facing.

Malays must understand that too much freedom of expression is bad for health. It is also shameful to our way of life. Thinking too much will cause more white hairs to grow, that’s why we must leave it to the religious scholars to interpret our future.

We should not rebel against our political masters, or choose liberation in place of religion. We must protect our way of life and, most of all, we must protect Malay political power.

The Malays must come to terms with themselves. We are different from our non-Malay counterparts, and we should not think like them. Be contented with our fate, and that we are a special class of citizens.

Also be comforted that the state will take steps to silence this national conversation by waging a campaign against liberalism and pluralism in the name of Islamic authenticity and purity.

A tour guide, trained pilot and naturalist, Iskandar Dzulkarnain has been writing a few years now, especially enjoying satirical pieces like this one. He is a FMT columnist.