Indigenous Catholic Sabahan: No disrespect to Muslims but Ramadan harassment by moral police is “very real”

 

FOLLOWING the recent not fasting slap incident at a Family Mart outlet in Johor Bahru, the fallout has been significant with many non-Muslims remaining unapologetic especially after the elderly perpetrator remaining unremorseful as evident from his not guilty plea.

Nevertheless, many have come forward to proffer support for the Chinese Sarawakian undergraduate with many Muslims condemning such holier-than-thou types.

It was also the belief among some that this was an isolated incident, hence is not reflective of the Muslim populace in general.

However, a social media post by an indigenous Sabahan Catholic seems to suggest otherwise.

According to Verdi Kornelis Omjai’s Facebook post, it is customary for him to dine with his identity card (IC) displayed on the table during the fasting month.

This is to alert the frowning faces that he is Catholic by faith and yet he still got a “pat” on the back for his troubles – sternly asking him why he was not fasting.

The poster went on to explain that this was very much the norm having lived in Kuala Lumpur for 11 years. Without fail – each Ramadan – he would face the same accusatory stares and questions, hence he resorted to just displaying his IC for all to see.

He even warned others to be extra vigilant as he was even detained by the authorities when he mistakenly replied to the Muslim greeting in a likewise manner. The officer took it as a sign that he was a Muslim and was eating in full public view during the fasting month.

To hammer home the point that he is a non-Muslim, the poster contended that he even makes sure that his tattoos are visible. Though some netizens hilariously suggested colourful tattoos on BOTH arms to ensure that the moral police “ain’t blindsided”.

One netizen jokingly suggested making extra-large copies of the IC and wearing them as placards “both front and back” to ensure full visibility.

Another stated that all the poster had to do was be respectful towards those who are fasting, hence the need to display the IC does not arise at all.

Somewhat missing the point, one may wonder, is what is so disrespectful about the poster minding his own business and wanting to have an uninterrupted meal?

One Muslim commenter pointed out that the senior citizen charged with assault in Johor Bahru was wrong to be so judgmental and that he did not in any way represent the religion. The poster said he fully understood that sentiment and that he did not personally view to be representative of Islam.

While many have claimed that such holier-than-thou moral policing is the actions of a minority, this post highlights that this is NOT the case.

It does suggest that it is indeed quite prevalent and that some Muslims seem to think that it is their obligation or right “to advise” those who have strayed from the path.

FocusM believes that it is the sole prerogative of the religious authorities to enforce this but even then, there should be clear guidelines as to how such enforcement is conducted to protect the interest of “dark-skinned Chinese, Chindians and non-Muslim indigenous Malaysians”.

Everyone else should just mind their own business. Moral policing is an unwelcome intrusion into the lives of all Malaysians and should not be encouraged in any shape or form. – Focus Malaysia