Critical Thoughts

Based on the various provisions written in the Federal Constitution itself (i.e., Article 3, Article 121(1A), Article 11(4) and various other provisions that favours Islam) which would not have existed were the document really a “secular” one, one can only surmise that Malaysia is certainly not a secular state. No amount of statements by former Prime Ministers will be able to change that. This has of course been stated many, many times by constitutional lawyers in the likes of Pawancheek Marican (I happen to know his son personally), Prof. Dr. Aziz Bari and many other authorities in law and constitutional law. Unfortunately, those in the secular and “Islam liberal” camp will be wont to disagree, but who cares about their opinion?

I also happen to come across this article Adakah Malaysia Sebuah Negara Sekular which sums up the issue aptly. I’ll get it translated into English soon, insha’allah. For those who want this country so badly to turn secular, why not go ahead and put out a referendum on the issue? And while you are at it, abolish the religious institutions which are empowered by Federal and state funds, lets see whether you will get the support you need to turn this country secular.

Very interesting read indeed from Alexander Cockburn about the realities of “modern” America. Note especially this:

…the suicide rate among middle-aged Americans has reached its highest point in at least 25 years. The rate rose by about 20 per cent between 1999 and 2004 for those aged 45 through 54 - far more than among younger adults, whose own suicide stats are also on the rise.

The previous high was in 1982, a year when there was a terrible farm crisis in the Midwest.

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I sometimes find it ironic that proponents of secularism tend to wave around the “hudud” flag and claim that since Islamic law condones the so-called “barbaric” practices such as cutting off the hands [and forgetting that this can only be implemented if exceeding a certain value], lapidation [again, forgetting that there can only be four witnesses to married adulterers caught in the act] and other such punishments deemed “unsuitable” [according to whom?] to them, it therefore follows that secularism remains the only alternative. How ignorant they truly are, these miserable folks! They should get a good book on Shariah if they wish to comment about it.

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Thanks to the secular system that this country has, we have a higher rate of crime ranging from murder to kidnapping and theft. Speaking of theft, yesterday my sister was a victim of a snatch-thief, and guess where this took place? Right in front of the gate of her house. She was telling me how she felt that the rate of crime in the country is rising. I told her point-blank that she is not the only one experiencing this feeling of insecurity and concern about the high rate of crime.

Now thanks to the secular system and in particular, Pak Lah, we have a higher rate of crime. Congratulations!