Thanks Erik, you make some good points and I agree that Myanmar has a range of other concerns that need to be addressed. I think it’s important to keep in mind that there are things that can be done right now that will help Myanmar avoid the huge NCD problems seen in other countries; and that tobacco in particular is a huge problem that is and will continue to kill thousands of people and drive more into deepening poverty. There’s also real scope for integrating health services so that opportunities are sought to address both HIV and NCDs, and to integrate ‘healthy living’ messages around tobacco etc into broader health campaigns.
Interesting article. It should be noted that the contemporary Chams are of Malay stock and arrived in what we now call Cambodia probably 700 years ago. The present-day Chams practice Islam and have their own language which is within the Malay language family. Malaysia actively supports the Cham people with money, religious teachers (Ustaz) and Qurans. The Cham historically have been a peaceful and non-violent people, but an Islamic resurgence has recently occurred among them. Some Cham Imams have been trained in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Hun Sen has a mixed policy with respect to the Cham. He has let them practice Islam as long as their religious practices do not become politicized. It remains to be seen whether the Cham will advocate for greater autonomy from the dominant Khmer population.
Should Sabah and Sarawak take the lead in educating Peninsular Malaysians about living harmoniously?
The election in Sabah is clearly not about the rise of one particular race against the other. It simply shows the ordinary Rakyat exercising their democratic right to choose the political party that best represents their interests.
May be it is less an obsession with Islam and race, but rather both are closely linked in Malaysia and thereby “overdetermined”. Both play an important ideological role for politics but as well everyday life and public ceremonies (even in an international conference an islamic prayer is done, even though non-muslims are not allowed to use the term Allah!). Thus, any analysis has to take it into consideration. Islam, as much as race are emblems, or symbols at the most, that often have nothing much to do with Malay culture or Islam as regligion.
The festivity is definitely beginning early. The celebration of the ‘Thaksin-amnesty’ is starting in earnest. Crowds are gathering everywhere in Bangkok and the Thai police is even getting edgy that party to rave about the ‘Thaksin-is-getting-back-his-billions’ may turn into a riot! Such is the fervor for the ‘Thaksin-will-be-back-soon’ celebrations.
As a matter of policy, I not only provide the opportunity, but actively invite individuals and organisations that have different perspectives to articulate their views.
I have also invited Kamal to articulate his views via an op-ed/article.
I find your article really interesting and endorse your opinions.
However, I think that cigarette production isn’t really a problem in the second global producer of heroin and meth (yaba).
Also, almost every country produces Coca Cola and Cheeseburguers. I eat these every week and have no health problems.
The WHO estimates that 60% of deaths in the world are by NCDs, so Myanmar is far below average.
I think AIDS/HIV must be the focus of campaigns in Myanmar, this is a huge problem.
Also, I suspect that Myanmar people have a way healthier lifestyle than the western average. We’re stuck in offices 40 hours a week, sitting in front of a computer. They’re still agrarian and should be in the transition to mecanization and industrialization, it’s a different reality.
I think there is an unhealthy obsession here in the New Mandala when discussing Malaysia to focus on race and religion. Particularly on Malay and Islam.
How so? Do you deny that in the wake of the Arab Spring (and Autumn) that political Islam is the zeitgeist throughout the Muslim world? Likewise, do you deny that a central issue within Malaysian politics is its system of institutionalized discrimination, enshrined in its constitution, based on both ethnicity and race? Are these not topics worthy of discussion?
There is also a blame-game going on with UMNO cast as the villain.
New Mandala is allowed to have an editorial slant. I will give you the same answer that I give to those who constantly accuse NM of being biased when it comes to Thai politics: write your own article and submit it. If the article has merit, but Nich and Andrew reject it, then you might have something to complain about.
Take the time and trouble to understand Malaysians and I think we shall have much more critical discourse on Malaysia. We need a fresh pair of lenses to look at Malaysia-one that is creative and critical.
No offense, but you have given me very little confidence to believe that by “creative and critical” you mean “a viewpoint I agree with”.
I am a Muslim and I totally disagree with Tun Mahathir’s assertion that Jews are the problems of the world. That is rubbish. To stereotype any group of people is wrong. That would make it racist, which is wrong.
That’s a wonderful sentiment, and one that is sorely needed to be expressed openly, not only in Malaysia, but in the entire world.
Unlike a drop of blood, people are defined by THEIR conscience and conscious actions. People make their attributes and should not be lumped together like factory products.
Again, that is a wonderful sentiment; however, the tools of social science have allowed us to identify the relationships between an individual’s agency and the institutions, systems, and social structures he or she is apart of.
We are not taking into account variables such as education, exposure, age, gender, etc.
By “we” whom are you referring to? The Pew Center? Woo? Regardless of whom you mean, it is not a given that those variables are relevant to the analysis of the data. Personally, I think they are, but to assert that I have to do the academic work of showing why they are relevant, and again, taking those variables into account does not automatically disprove the assertion.
And, if you understand qualitatively how Malaysians behave, generally people would refuse or politely refrain from talking about politics.
In a sense, I can only agree with this, and surely the BN component parties which agreed to Syariah Courts in 1993 should go along with the call by the church cleric, esp. when whippings have already been carried out in some states.
In the current situation, UMNO pulling out rabbits from the hat every now and then does not bode well. Let there be a decisive end to all this.
As a long time reader of New Mandala, I have to agree with Kamal. It takes time to know Malaysia. It is truly a diverse place despite its problems and to make quick judgments is symptomatic of a knee-jerk reaction of many who are ignorant or just selectively blind to reality. The Malaysian people are more politically divisive than ever today (not necessarily bad) thanks to the active political scene these last few decades. I am not saying there has never been an active Malaysian political life, but the last 20 years is truly a period of change and upheavals. Islam’s role in Malaysia’s development economically and socially is rather contentious at this point as different social classes experience Islam’s influence both positively and negatively. I have the privilege of meeting Malaysians from all walks of life both in and out of Malaysia and from all races, gender, and beliefs. The question of Islam in Malaysia had been debated on and off for the longest time. It is interesting to hear what those Malaysians living overseas think about this. So far I have heard different responses on this. Especially immediately after GE13 when Islam and race became the topic of discussion. The Malaysians I met overseas had varying, but interesting, reactions.
Let me add this: It is also too easy to jump on the bandwagon and wag your fingers and say this is bad/wrong/no good or to just bash people with words just because you happen to disagree with them. Such behavior is a reflection of the bias and prejudice of the individual. Truly sad to see healthy, intelligent discussions devolve into insults, jabs, or just plain forum trolling.
As Kamal has said, the prevailing unhealthy atmosphere in New Mandala is really frustrating. This is a place for healthy, constructive discussions, not a soapbox for angry rhetoric or political grandstanding.
Browbeating or outquoting someone does not make you better or smarter. It makes you a bully and a troll. Let’s keep it civil and respectful. Especially the latter, which is in short supply lately.
Race and religion have been discussed in Malay(si)a since pre-Colonial times. Not only is it healthy, when done in a civilized manner, but it is necessary. And it is necessary in Indonesia, which is following Malaysia’s lead on discussing (sometime rather heatedly) the use of “Allah”, the role of the Syariah courts, the use of Hudud laws, and the identity of Indonesia; is it secular or is it Islamic. I will say this-at
least Malaysia and Indonesia are, in a fashion, talking about these critical issues
at some level, even if discouraged by the governments in Putrajaya and Jakarta.
PM Erdogan in Turkey has clamped down on
the media, military and NGOs that advocate secularism, so discussion in Turkey is quieter, or you get jailed or punished. The Arab World, South Asia and Iran ? No discussion. ‘Secular’ Assad is massacring his people; so much for secularism. ‘Secular’ Saddam Hussein in Iraq gassed thousands of Kurds and massacred Marsh Arabs in the south.
I am not sure in the Middle-East, it matters.
Years ago, the Marxist leader of South Yemen killed the Islamic leader of North Yemen. Two
leaders kill one another and now unified Yemen is a disaster. Democracy is not about to arrive anytime soon.
The qualitative and quantitative nature of these discussion, alluded to by Mr. Cruickshank, may help determine the direction of Malaysia and Indonesia, but I am uncertain. The discussions can be seen as progress to the extent that all views are allowed. The question which Greg appropriately raises: Is that discussion free and open, or does that state (UMNO) interfere or suppress such discussion about the role of Islam at the individual and governmental levels. I would argue that the record is mixed. I believe Mahathir prevented such discussion, and I also believe such discussion was less prevalent in the public sphere under Tun Onn and Tun Razak. Under both Pak Lah (Abdullah Badawi) and Najib, such discussions about Islam increased-both those advocating stricter rules and some advocating loosening the rules or even doing away with Syariah courts (as I advocate). My analysis is that this increase is DESPITE the leadership in the last ten years or so, not because of it. UMNO is not a positive force for discussing Islam in Malaysia; and I am not convinced that the opposition parties are either.
[…] the best foreign journalist in Thailand, witnessed the events of the day as they unfolded and wrote a detailed account on the New Mandala website. Nostitz says police warned the protesters multiple times via […]
Thanks for these very useful, honest and heartfelt insights Kamal. Really appreciate it.
I go back to my two earlier questions to you. I would really appreciate your honest opinion on these two questions:
(1) In your view, has state sponsored Islam in Malaysia been progressive (liberating and uniting) for Malaysia and Malaysians?
(2) If regressive & divisive, how has moderate Muslims such as yourself confronted these state sponsored Islam (as it is done in the name of all Malaysian Muslims).
I would think Malaysia’s problems were better understood in class analysis.
Why is your Neo-Marxist perspective any more or less valid than the “Samuel P. Huntington Clash of Civilizations” perspective? As social science deals with human beings as specimens, different theoretical frameworks are necessary to gain a true understanding of the subject, especially considering human beings are also the ones doing the observing.
Hishammaddun is all bluster. There will be no port visits and there will be no joint exercises with PRC. Quoting Bernama is not inspire confidence. Hishammuddin is using visits with Chinese military officials to burnish his domestic and global image; China is looking to expand in Malaysia, as elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Bilateral defense relations between Malaysia and China will remain low-key and non-actively pursued
strategically. Hishammuddin and others are long on image and short on substance. For
historical and cultural reasons, Malaysia will look more to the UK, Europe and the US (somewhat) for stronger relationships. Malaysia is not Singapore, who wants strong
ties with China. Najib is also good in front of the camera; implementation is another issue.
The Associated Press report is not accurate.
Democratic lawmakers generally support Obama’s non-policies on China. All the people quoted in the article (no surprise from AP) are Democrats who support Obama
and his ‘engagement’ with China. Some Democrats and many Republicans do not. Most
Americans are not enamoured of China, though some may visit as tourists. The views of the
academic community and the NGOs are very different than that of the U.S. Military
and many China Analysts. The AP does not represent the full spectrum of American views on China any more than Bernama is truly reflective of what Putrajaya thinks or what the Malaysian people think.
By the way, since I know something about the U.S. Senate, Senators Smith and Hanabusa are very liberal and never disagree with Obama.
There is only bipartisan support for a strong US presence in all of Asia with allies Japan,
Taiwan and Korea. Obama is clueless on China, as well as Malaysia. Najib is happy that the
US is soft on him and his poor human rights record.
Finally, if I may just add one final comment, I think there is an unhealthy obsession here in the New Mandala when discussing Malaysia to focus on race and religion. Particularly on Malay and Islam. There is also a blame-game going on with UMNO cast as the villain. Reading some comments and articles have been particularly frustrating because it reflects a few things-the most obvious being that many are ignorant of Malaysian politics. Many of the commentators or opinion pieces here what in malay would be referred to as Pak Turut. I have mentioned this to Greg before, travel around the country. Preferably alone. Talk to people you meet. Malaysia is diverse. Race is a convenient explanatory model. Take the time and trouble to understand Malaysians and I think we shall have much more critical discourse on Malaysia. We need a fresh pair of lenses to look at Malaysia-one that is creative and critical.
sorry for the typos -obviously my use of American and Israelis are stereotyping the diverse communities living in these nation-states. and I should add a ‘but is deceitful’ to my last sentence. I am a Muslim and I totally disagree with Tun Mahathir’s assertion that Jews are the problems of the world. That is rubbish. To stereotype any group of people is wrong. That would make it racist, which is wrong. Unlike a drop of blood, people are defined by THEIR conscience and conscious actions. People make their attributes and should not be lumped together like factory products. My criticism about the simple generalization was that 500 interviews cannot simply be converted to the figures mentioned. We are not taking into account variables such as education, exposure, age, gender, etc. And, if you understand qualitatively how Malaysians behave, generally people would refuse or politely refrain from talking about politics. We can call it fear, but that would be simplistic.
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On the cusp of disease transition in Myanmar
Thanks Erik, you make some good points and I agree that Myanmar has a range of other concerns that need to be addressed. I think it’s important to keep in mind that there are things that can be done right now that will help Myanmar avoid the huge NCD problems seen in other countries; and that tobacco in particular is a huge problem that is and will continue to kill thousands of people and drive more into deepening poverty. There’s also real scope for integrating health services so that opportunities are sought to address both HIV and NCDs, and to integrate ‘healthy living’ messages around tobacco etc into broader health campaigns.
Angkor revisited
Interesting article. It should be noted that the contemporary Chams are of Malay stock and arrived in what we now call Cambodia probably 700 years ago. The present-day Chams practice Islam and have their own language which is within the Malay language family. Malaysia actively supports the Cham people with money, religious teachers (Ustaz) and Qurans. The Cham historically have been a peaceful and non-violent people, but an Islamic resurgence has recently occurred among them. Some Cham Imams have been trained in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Hun Sen has a mixed policy with respect to the Cham. He has let them practice Islam as long as their religious practices do not become politicized. It remains to be seen whether the Cham will advocate for greater autonomy from the dominant Khmer population.
The “Rakyat Tsunami” in Sabah
Should Sabah and Sarawak take the lead in educating Peninsular Malaysians about living harmoniously?
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
May be it is less an obsession with Islam and race, but rather both are closely linked in Malaysia and thereby “overdetermined”. Both play an important ideological role for politics but as well everyday life and public ceremonies (even in an international conference an islamic prayer is done, even though non-muslims are not allowed to use the term Allah!). Thus, any analysis has to take it into consideration. Islam, as much as race are emblems, or symbols at the most, that often have nothing much to do with Malay culture or Islam as regligion.
When Lee Kuan Yew dies…
Some might even be planning as we speak to extrapolate the Singapore model on the rest of the world not just Asia. Great for some certainly.
Malaysia to build bridges with North Korea
Not one of ANU Alumi’s or HELP’s finer moments lol.
Thailand’s international human rights obligations in question
The festivity is definitely beginning early. The celebration of the ‘Thaksin-amnesty’ is starting in earnest. Crowds are gathering everywhere in Bangkok and the Thai police is even getting edgy that party to rave about the ‘Thaksin-is-getting-back-his-billions’ may turn into a riot! Such is the fervor for the ‘Thaksin-will-be-back-soon’ celebrations.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
As a matter of policy, I not only provide the opportunity, but actively invite individuals and organisations that have different perspectives to articulate their views.
I have also invited Kamal to articulate his views via an op-ed/article.
On the cusp of disease transition in Myanmar
Dear Mr. Byfield,
I find your article really interesting and endorse your opinions.
However, I think that cigarette production isn’t really a problem in the second global producer of heroin and meth (yaba).
Also, almost every country produces Coca Cola and Cheeseburguers. I eat these every week and have no health problems.
The WHO estimates that 60% of deaths in the world are by NCDs, so Myanmar is far below average.
I think AIDS/HIV must be the focus of campaigns in Myanmar, this is a huge problem.
Also, I suspect that Myanmar people have a way healthier lifestyle than the western average. We’re stuck in offices 40 hours a week, sitting in front of a computer. They’re still agrarian and should be in the transition to mecanization and industrialization, it’s a different reality.
Cheers,
Erik.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
I think there is an unhealthy obsession here in the New Mandala when discussing Malaysia to focus on race and religion. Particularly on Malay and Islam.
How so? Do you deny that in the wake of the Arab Spring (and Autumn) that political Islam is the zeitgeist throughout the Muslim world? Likewise, do you deny that a central issue within Malaysian politics is its system of institutionalized discrimination, enshrined in its constitution, based on both ethnicity and race? Are these not topics worthy of discussion?
New Mandala is allowed to have an editorial slant. I will give you the same answer that I give to those who constantly accuse NM of being biased when it comes to Thai politics: write your own article and submit it. If the article has merit, but Nich and Andrew reject it, then you might have something to complain about.
No offense, but you have given me very little confidence to believe that by “creative and critical” you mean “a viewpoint I agree with”.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
I am a Muslim and I totally disagree with Tun Mahathir’s assertion that Jews are the problems of the world. That is rubbish. To stereotype any group of people is wrong. That would make it racist, which is wrong.
That’s a wonderful sentiment, and one that is sorely needed to be expressed openly, not only in Malaysia, but in the entire world.
Unlike a drop of blood, people are defined by THEIR conscience and conscious actions. People make their attributes and should not be lumped together like factory products.
Again, that is a wonderful sentiment; however, the tools of social science have allowed us to identify the relationships between an individual’s agency and the institutions, systems, and social structures he or she is apart of.
By “we” whom are you referring to? The Pew Center? Woo? Regardless of whom you mean, it is not a given that those variables are relevant to the analysis of the data. Personally, I think they are, but to assert that I have to do the academic work of showing why they are relevant, and again, taking those variables into account does not automatically disprove the assertion.
And, if you understand qualitatively how Malaysians behave, generally people would refuse or politely refrain from talking about politics.
You are engaging in faulty reasoning, specifically, “special pleading”.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
In a sense, I can only agree with this, and surely the BN component parties which agreed to Syariah Courts in 1993 should go along with the call by the church cleric, esp. when whippings have already been carried out in some states.
In the current situation, UMNO pulling out rabbits from the hat every now and then does not bode well. Let there be a decisive end to all this.
“Put hudud on referendum, let Muslims decide once and for all, says church cleric”
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/put-hudud-on-referendum-let-muslims-decide-once-and-for-all-says-church-cle
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
As a long time reader of New Mandala, I have to agree with Kamal. It takes time to know Malaysia. It is truly a diverse place despite its problems and to make quick judgments is symptomatic of a knee-jerk reaction of many who are ignorant or just selectively blind to reality. The Malaysian people are more politically divisive than ever today (not necessarily bad) thanks to the active political scene these last few decades. I am not saying there has never been an active Malaysian political life, but the last 20 years is truly a period of change and upheavals. Islam’s role in Malaysia’s development economically and socially is rather contentious at this point as different social classes experience Islam’s influence both positively and negatively. I have the privilege of meeting Malaysians from all walks of life both in and out of Malaysia and from all races, gender, and beliefs. The question of Islam in Malaysia had been debated on and off for the longest time. It is interesting to hear what those Malaysians living overseas think about this. So far I have heard different responses on this. Especially immediately after GE13 when Islam and race became the topic of discussion. The Malaysians I met overseas had varying, but interesting, reactions.
Let me add this: It is also too easy to jump on the bandwagon and wag your fingers and say this is bad/wrong/no good or to just bash people with words just because you happen to disagree with them. Such behavior is a reflection of the bias and prejudice of the individual. Truly sad to see healthy, intelligent discussions devolve into insults, jabs, or just plain forum trolling.
As Kamal has said, the prevailing unhealthy atmosphere in New Mandala is really frustrating. This is a place for healthy, constructive discussions, not a soapbox for angry rhetoric or political grandstanding.
Browbeating or outquoting someone does not make you better or smarter. It makes you a bully and a troll. Let’s keep it civil and respectful. Especially the latter, which is in short supply lately.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
Race and religion have been discussed in Malay(si)a since pre-Colonial times. Not only is it healthy, when done in a civilized manner, but it is necessary. And it is necessary in Indonesia, which is following Malaysia’s lead on discussing (sometime rather heatedly) the use of “Allah”, the role of the Syariah courts, the use of Hudud laws, and the identity of Indonesia; is it secular or is it Islamic. I will say this-at
least Malaysia and Indonesia are, in a fashion, talking about these critical issues
at some level, even if discouraged by the governments in Putrajaya and Jakarta.
PM Erdogan in Turkey has clamped down on
the media, military and NGOs that advocate secularism, so discussion in Turkey is quieter, or you get jailed or punished. The Arab World, South Asia and Iran ? No discussion. ‘Secular’ Assad is massacring his people; so much for secularism. ‘Secular’ Saddam Hussein in Iraq gassed thousands of Kurds and massacred Marsh Arabs in the south.
I am not sure in the Middle-East, it matters.
Years ago, the Marxist leader of South Yemen killed the Islamic leader of North Yemen. Two
leaders kill one another and now unified Yemen is a disaster. Democracy is not about to arrive anytime soon.
The qualitative and quantitative nature of these discussion, alluded to by Mr. Cruickshank, may help determine the direction of Malaysia and Indonesia, but I am uncertain. The discussions can be seen as progress to the extent that all views are allowed. The question which Greg appropriately raises: Is that discussion free and open, or does that state (UMNO) interfere or suppress such discussion about the role of Islam at the individual and governmental levels. I would argue that the record is mixed. I believe Mahathir prevented such discussion, and I also believe such discussion was less prevalent in the public sphere under Tun Onn and Tun Razak. Under both Pak Lah (Abdullah Badawi) and Najib, such discussions about Islam increased-both those advocating stricter rules and some advocating loosening the rules or even doing away with Syariah courts (as I advocate). My analysis is that this increase is DESPITE the leadership in the last ten years or so, not because of it. UMNO is not a positive force for discussing Islam in Malaysia; and I am not convinced that the opposition parties are either.
What happened on 7/10/2008?
[…] the best foreign journalist in Thailand, witnessed the events of the day as they unfolded and wrote a detailed account on the New Mandala website. Nostitz says police warned the protesters multiple times via […]
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
Thanks for these very useful, honest and heartfelt insights Kamal. Really appreciate it.
I go back to my two earlier questions to you. I would really appreciate your honest opinion on these two questions:
(1) In your view, has state sponsored Islam in Malaysia been progressive (liberating and uniting) for Malaysia and Malaysians?
(2) If regressive & divisive, how has moderate Muslims such as yourself confronted these state sponsored Islam (as it is done in the name of all Malaysian Muslims).
Thanks Kamal.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
Why is your Neo-Marxist perspective any more or less valid than the “Samuel P. Huntington Clash of Civilizations” perspective? As social science deals with human beings as specimens, different theoretical frameworks are necessary to gain a true understanding of the subject, especially considering human beings are also the ones doing the observing.
Malaysia-US and Malaysia-China relations
Hishammaddun is all bluster. There will be no port visits and there will be no joint exercises with PRC. Quoting Bernama is not inspire confidence. Hishammuddin is using visits with Chinese military officials to burnish his domestic and global image; China is looking to expand in Malaysia, as elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Bilateral defense relations between Malaysia and China will remain low-key and non-actively pursued
strategically. Hishammuddin and others are long on image and short on substance. For
historical and cultural reasons, Malaysia will look more to the UK, Europe and the US (somewhat) for stronger relationships. Malaysia is not Singapore, who wants strong
ties with China. Najib is also good in front of the camera; implementation is another issue.
The Associated Press report is not accurate.
Democratic lawmakers generally support Obama’s non-policies on China. All the people quoted in the article (no surprise from AP) are Democrats who support Obama
and his ‘engagement’ with China. Some Democrats and many Republicans do not. Most
Americans are not enamoured of China, though some may visit as tourists. The views of the
academic community and the NGOs are very different than that of the U.S. Military
and many China Analysts. The AP does not represent the full spectrum of American views on China any more than Bernama is truly reflective of what Putrajaya thinks or what the Malaysian people think.
By the way, since I know something about the U.S. Senate, Senators Smith and Hanabusa are very liberal and never disagree with Obama.
There is only bipartisan support for a strong US presence in all of Asia with allies Japan,
Taiwan and Korea. Obama is clueless on China, as well as Malaysia. Najib is happy that the
US is soft on him and his poor human rights record.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
Finally, if I may just add one final comment, I think there is an unhealthy obsession here in the New Mandala when discussing Malaysia to focus on race and religion. Particularly on Malay and Islam. There is also a blame-game going on with UMNO cast as the villain. Reading some comments and articles have been particularly frustrating because it reflects a few things-the most obvious being that many are ignorant of Malaysian politics. Many of the commentators or opinion pieces here what in malay would be referred to as Pak Turut. I have mentioned this to Greg before, travel around the country. Preferably alone. Talk to people you meet. Malaysia is diverse. Race is a convenient explanatory model. Take the time and trouble to understand Malaysians and I think we shall have much more critical discourse on Malaysia. We need a fresh pair of lenses to look at Malaysia-one that is creative and critical.
Overstating Islamic extremism – a response
sorry for the typos -obviously my use of American and Israelis are stereotyping the diverse communities living in these nation-states. and I should add a ‘but is deceitful’ to my last sentence. I am a Muslim and I totally disagree with Tun Mahathir’s assertion that Jews are the problems of the world. That is rubbish. To stereotype any group of people is wrong. That would make it racist, which is wrong. Unlike a drop of blood, people are defined by THEIR conscience and conscious actions. People make their attributes and should not be lumped together like factory products. My criticism about the simple generalization was that 500 interviews cannot simply be converted to the figures mentioned. We are not taking into account variables such as education, exposure, age, gender, etc. And, if you understand qualitatively how Malaysians behave, generally people would refuse or politely refrain from talking about politics. We can call it fear, but that would be simplistic.