Malaysia Update Online: Jais-DUMC: The viewpoint from S'wak, where Islam is not the state religion

by Maclean Patrick

The current religious divide felt in Peninisular Malaysia is not one that resonates in Sarawak. Instead, the various communities in Sarawak can only shake their heads in disbelief at the actions of the Selangor Islamic religious Department or JAIS in its ‘investigative raid’ at the Damansara Utama Methodist Centre.

The conclusion to this sad affair is one of safe compromise, with the Sultan of Selangor supporting JAIS but assuring all that none would be charged although the 12 Muslims who attended the fund-raising dinner held at the DUMC be given counselling.

The reactions from Sarawakians is one of dismay since the common consensus in the Hornbill state is that one’s religion is a personal matter. Something one takes up with the Almighty and not a mandate imposed on a neighbour.

Like a homemaker in Kuching told Malaysia Chronicle, “I went to a friend's wedding dinner on Saturday. Guests included Muslims. The couple are staunch Catholics. Hymns and prayers were said. Our Muslims friends had no issue and some even sang!! Imagine if JAIS had known that !”

Most important point - religious freedom

Which is really the case in Sarawak, the state which has the most number of missionary schools in the country and for a time was a sovereign nation under the rule of the Brooke family from England.

Worthy of note is that Sarawakians have lived under this religious serenity since the days of the Brookes and it is this very nature that has been written into the community DNA of every Sarawakian.

Christians, Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus and other religious belief thrive in the state. Such intermingling of faiths convinced the founding fathers of Malaysia to provide a conditional clause to Sarawak joining Malaysia. Under the 18 Point Agreement for Sarawak joining Malaysia, Point 1 states:

“While there was no objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia there should be no State religion in Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of Malaya should not apply to Borneo.”

Another Umno ploy

Interesting that the first point protects the religious sanctity of all communities by not imposing nor uplifting a particular religion over the other but instead allowing all religions to coexist naturally and equally.

Many Sarawak believe this to be a political ploy given that Umno has declared it wish to regain control of Selangor. To be frank, most Sarawakians are inclined to form poor opinions of the top Umno leadership due to their neglecting the state and disrespcting the 18 Point Agreement.

“The JAIS-DUMC issue seems political to me - a basic let-a-bull-run-free-in-a-china-shop political ploy, classic of UMNO or their proxies. The problem however, is the fragile porcelain, not the bull. The fragility is the insecurity of some Muslims in Malaysia," a Sarawakian social activist was happy to share with Malaysia Chronicle:

"It is as if religion is contagious and can spread with social contact. Can it? Can true faith be stolen or replaced by a few dinners with friends and neighbors? The world suffers from Islam-o-phobia, Malaysia suffers from reverse Islam-o-phobia, the fear of talking about any topics relating to Islam or to question policies awarded by Islam. We are so fearful that we let fundamentalists shape our identity. The fear spawns misunderstanding, insecurity, suspicion and intolerance.”

Religion should never be a tool of politics

Whatever fight UMNO has against Pakatan Rakyat should be kept within the political arena. But time and time again Malaysians have seen this fine and tender line between politics and race-religion crossed and abusedto the extent that the people are now conditioned to believe that politics encompasses all things under the sun.

Malaysians may have allowed their politicians too much leeway to the extent that politics now govern and dictate over what is essentially a fundamental human right - the right to practice one’s belief.

The Sultan of Selangor may have laid forward a safe compromise, but in doing so he may be accused of forcing or pressuring non-Muslims to offer alms and respect to Muslims -which should not be the case.

Respect is earned and amongst the true followers of all religions, it is the show of piety and charity that garners true admiration. Not brutal enforcement of religious law.

Correlated stories :
Learn a lesson from Egypt