Malaysians are quick to recognise how George W Bush politicises God. Yet how vocal are these same Malaysians about the steady, incessant seepage of religious doctrine into the policies of the Malaysian government? I am rather alarmed by recent developments.
Judges in civil courts insist on a cowardly interpretation of Article 121 (1A) and effectively give syariah courts supremacy. In spite of rebukes by ministers, some within Jawi almost began to insist on its right to police the morals of citizens, as if to say they are guided by a higher power.
Even the recent commission investigating police tactics employed during detention must bring religion into the picture when it states that nude squats are "improper, haram (prohibited) under syariah principles and a violation of human rights provisions". Yet where is the relation between police conduct and Islam?
Are we indeed headed towards the mystical 'Islamic state'? What does the term even mean? Religion can have a peculiar effect in that it causes some to be swayed more by emotions than by logic. In taking full advantage of this tendency, Malay politicians have, to the woeful detriment of this country, catalysed the present clamouring for an Islamic state.
Undeniably, there exists a certain romantic nostalgia associated with the term 'Islamic state' as if its appearance would magically solve all the problems Malaysians face and take us to a Golden Age. Yet there is no consensus on the definition of the term and even less consensus on its implementation. Thus, the PAS concept of Islamic state would differ from the Umno understanding of an Islamic state, and both would probably differ from most non-Muslim's understanding of Islamic state. Do the mullahs of Iran believe they are leading an Islamic state? Did the Taliban?
The fundamental assumptions that constitute the basis of an Islamic state are themselves mired in a great deal of subjectivity. Of course, subjective assumptions cannot result in a healthy outcome that will be acceptable to all. Today, while many in positions of authority strive for their own personal vision of an Islamic state, they simultaneously undermine the secular foundations of this nation.
To avert calamity, Malay leaders must move away from such nebulous terms as 'Islamic state' and focus on clearly understood adjectives to describe their aspirations for Malaysia. As an example, the way forward may be to articulate a vision of Malaysia as a compassionate, corruption-free and just society while emphasising that such values are not only Islamic but also intrinsic in all the major faiths of the world.
Is it a coincidence that these guiding principles also happen to be conducive to establishing a productive and harmonious society? To insist that religion not be confused with governance will not lessen one's faith nor will it result in a breakdown of values. Rather, it will result in clear definitions and goals at a national level.
Tunku Abdul Rahman once famously stated in Parliament that Malaysia is a secular state. He is no longer with us. Where are today's men and women of conscience?
