Beware of the message..

April 12th, 2008 Posted in Uncategorized

 In the wake of reports of a proposal that non-Muslims in the country should be punished for commiting "khalwat" (close proximity) with Muslims, which was denied later; indeed, it must  have been some  kind of relief for non-Muslims  to read that politicians from the hard line Muslim party of Malaysia (PAS) have been making overtures to Christians  in their Klang Valley constituencies.

 It was reported that PAS politicians, Khalid  Samad and Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad have made visits to Catholic churches to show to the churchgoers that they are not the extremist Muslim politicians that they have been made out to be by the mainstream media of the country.

They have shown that they are inclusive and  tolerant , Khalid even told the congregation of the church he visited that they could use the word "Allah" in their service. He received a standing ovation for that gesture.

The Federal  government had banned the usage of the word by Christians as it was argued it could confuse Muslims in the country. According to them , Malay Muslims are not capable of thinking for themselves.

Is this the beginning of something new in the battle of the hearts and minds of Malaysian voters by PAS?

The UMNO led BN have been rather insensitive in not respecting non Muslim beliefs by destroying Hindu temples, snatching dead bodies of alleged Muslim converts even if family members think otherwise.

In short, the Taliban Wahabbi mindset prevalent in the Muslim officialdom has alienated not only the non Muslims but also the liberal Muslims of the country.The ruling party paid dearly for this in the just concluded elections.

 UMNO has been trying to be more Islamic than PAS, even though the latter is supposed to be a Malay  nationalist party and the former   is  an out and out Muslim fundamentalist party with  the clear goal of establishing an Islamic government.

With the latest political antics, it appears  that the reverse is true. 

Of course, reading the blogs, the non Muslims are simply ecstatic with  these little gestures, who can blame them? It's  been very liberating for them after all these years. At long last there  are Muslim  politicians who can show  a little kindness  and understanding.

Before anybody gets really excited, please be reminded these are politicians, some of them will do anything to win votes. During these early days, they will show their good sides to their constituents.

Are they genuine? Remember they represent a party that's very conservative in their interpretations of Islam. In Kelantan where they have been ruling for sometime ,women are forced to wear head scarves, and there are separate lanes for the sexes at  the supermarkets, cinemas have to leave their lights on when screening a movie to prevent young couples from doing things they are supposed to do only when they are married.

Just because a few politicians want to appease you in order to get your votes , why not sit back  and see things in their proper perspectives. 

Only today, MCA slammed PAS statement made by its deputy spiritual leader Datuk Dr. Haron Din who urged their supporters to be patient for the party to capture the Federal Government so that it could amend the Federal Constitution to implement hudud laws.

Can a leopard change its spots?

Despite our multi-religious heritage, it's PAS avowed goal to impose its brand of Islam on the country.They will do what it takes to get there.

Seeing its president, Hadi Awang in robes and turban, one wonders if Malaysia cannot contribute anything at all towards the growth of Islam as a universal religion. Must it be  just one version from the Middle East above everything else? What's wrong with Malay dressing that reflects our heritage?

If God had wanted us to be Arabs, he would have made us them! 

PAS politicians are brilliant players, once, they get you in their trap, see if you can wiggle your way out.

They have dismissed the latest developments as  mere politicking. Oh really?

Like MCA president Ong Ka Ting just reminded us, beware of PAS ulterior motive. 

Just beware of the real message.