Malaysia considers switch to Islamic law

[SHAM]

Hardline Islamic law could be introduced across Malaysia under reforms proposed by the country's chief justice.

As the nation in south-east Asia celebrated 50 years of independence from Britain yesterday, its government was preparing to discuss a plan that would revolutionise the legal system put in place by its former colonial administrators.

As Kuala Lumpur witnessed celebrations that included parades, fireworks and a fighter-jet fly-by attended by the Duke of York, the proposal pointed to the deep differences which locals say are poisoning social relations beyond the glitter and skyscrapers of Malaysia's modern capital city.

Ahmad Fairuz, the chief justice, told an Islamic conference in Kuala Lumpur that 50 years of independence had failed to free Malaysia from the "clutches of colonialism". Sharia law should be "infused" into the gaps created by abolishing common law, he said.

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Malaysia's non-Muslim Chinese and Indian communities, who form 40 per cent of the population, are alarmed at creeping Islamisation.

Abdul Badawi, the prime minister, this month joined other leaders for the first time in denying what the British-authored constitution has said for 50 years - that Malaysia is a secular state.

Sharia law already operates in some Malaysian states and is occasionally applied to non-Muslims, as in July when Islamic officials forcibly separated a Hindu-Muslim couple with six children after 21 years of marriage.

The majority ethnic Malays are defined as Muslim by law and forbidden from converting.

Racial tensions are already high due to official discrimination in favour of Malays, who enjoy better employment opportunities, preferential loans and lower house prices.

Dr Mohd Hatta, of the Islamic Party, welcomed the latest proposal in principle, but said: "The chief justice should be enforcing laws, not making them."

Meanwhile, dissent is increasingly harshly repressed. Journalists and bloggers say they are tailed by police and their phones are tapped.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/01/wmalay101.xml

Lived in KL a few years back.
Beautiful place, would be sad if it descended into full on Sharia law.

[Shadowstorm]

I agree on that it would mess the whole country reputation up.

[SHAM]

It would be interesting to see them *** up the sharia law part for the "malaysia truley asia" advertising campeign.

[crazy talk]

*scratches Malaysian hookers off to-do list*

[Con-man]

*tries to reason with crazy talk*
They're gonna want to find refuge in other countries you know :D

[Ordie]

Is Malaysia a Middle Eastern country?

Much of Sharia law was developed in response to govern and arbitrate Arabian desert culture and norms.

Adopting such a code of law contradicts the Asian norms of secularity.

[SHAM]

Is Malaysia a Middle Eastern country?

Much of Sharia law was developed in response to govern and arbitrate Arabian desert culture and norms.

Adopting such a code of law contradicts the Asian norms of secularity.

Malaysia is as middle eastern as Thailand.
In some ways Malaysia slips below the radar, when i lived there Malays were always aware of there Muslim obligations, such as the fear of house calls from the islamic police on unmarried couples, snogging in public etc
But at the same time there was ethnic chinese malaysians or ethnic bangladeshi malays who were practicing muslims but feared not the islamic police, as they only seemed to concern themselfs with malays.
Malaysia has this saying that everyone is welcome, they do celebrate christmas as publically as they do ramadan with public decorations etc, but there was always this feeling that everyone is welcome aslong as you adopted a muslim way of living.
On a side note, KL has the biggest american embassy i have seen in south east asia, it doubled in size when i lived there, which was just after 9/11.

[PanzerMaster]

Another country down the ****hole.

A pray for all the people* that will suffer under this new law.

*= women, poor uneducated men, faithful of other religions, homo****** and the list goes on.

[oldsoak]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/01/wmalay101.xml

Lived in KL a few years back.
Beautiful place, would be sad if it descended into full on Sharia law.

- egad, another "Mat Salleh" ;-)
- goodbye anchor beer and pork dishes. I've lived out there too, and watched the change take place.

[Ordie]

What is most concerning is the Malaysian government policy of Malay-centric priority in education status, and job placement along with adopting a Middle Eastern "Cargo Culture" and norms of "playing the victim".

In this case blaming colonialism for thier daily woes, even though Malaysia has been successfully independant for several decades.

[hughdotoh]

Is Malaysia a Middle Eastern country?

Much of Sharia law was developed in response to govern and arbitrate Arabian desert culture and norms.

Adopting such a code of law contradicts the Asian norms of secularity.

Only too true.

Also, British laws made them the economic powerhouse they are today, despite the low-level corruption. Replacing "colonial" laws with Sharia is one biatch of a downgrade.

[imohammed2]

""...forcibly separated a Hindu-Muslim couple with six children after 21 years of marriage.""

hope they burn in hell

[Dr_ColoSSus]

If this were happen it would be further blow to Malaysia's non muslim minority. If malaysia considers itself a 'democracy', then enforcing sharia law non muslims could hardly be called democratic.

[Tempest]

Is Malaysia a Middle Eastern country?



Anything 'arab' is put on a pedestal there...

[Ordie]

If this were happen it would be further blow to Malaysia's non muslim minority. If malaysia considers itself a 'democracy', then enforcing sharia law non muslims could hardly be called democratic.

The fundamental sign of a mature democracy is to protect the minority from the majority.

[Thor]

What a shame should it happen. It's beautiful there, cheap too.


http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5129/lyxresortsyg4.jpg

[Eokboy]

IMHO, Singapore is more Islamic than Malaysia as they practice equality, meritocracy and value hard work.

[budgie]

Won't happen: tourism is a major industry and despite a few fundamentalists, hardline Islamism doesn't fit the Malay mentality. Factor in the business elite being largely Chinese and Indian and it seems nothing more than wishful thinking on the part of conservative Muslims. Some states already have stricter religious laws than KL and its districts, but the major Urban and political centres will always be pretty liberal.

[gary1910]

Malaysia at 50
Tall buildings, narrow minds
Aug 30th 2007
From The Economist print edition

After 50 years, Malaysia should stop treating a third of its people as not-quite-citizens

THE government of Malaysia has laid on all sorts of grand pageantry this weekend, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Malay peninsula's independence from Britain. There is much to celebrate. Living standards and access to education, health services, sanitation and electricity have soared during those five decades of sovereignty. The country's remarkable modernisation drive was symbolised, nine years ago, by the completion of the Petronas twin towers, in Kuala Lumpur, then the world's tallest buildings.

Yet there will be a hollow ring to the festivities. Malaysia's 50th birthday comes at a time of rising resentment by ethnic Chinese and Indians, together over one-third of the population, at the continuing, systematic discrimination they suffer in favour of the majority bumiputra, or sons of the soil, as Malays and other indigenous groups are called. There are also worries about creeping “Islamisation” among the Malay Muslim majority of what has been a largely secular country, and about the increasingly separate lives that Malay, Chinese and Indian Malaysians are leading. More so than at independence, it is lamented, the different races learn in separate schools, eat separately, work separately and socialise separately. Some are asking: is there really such a thing as a Malaysian?

The pro-bumiputra discrimination was laid down in the country's first constitution, in 1957, to ease Malays' fears of being marginalised by the Chinese and Indian migrants. These had come, supposedly temporarily, to work in the tin mines and plantations but were settling permanently and increasingly dominating business and the professions. The perks were extended greatly after race riots in 1969. Malays get privileged access to public-sector jobs, university places, stockmarket flotations and, above all, government contracts. The most notable result, as with South Africa's similar policy of “black economic empowerment”, has been “encronyment”—the enrichment of those well connected to the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the party that has led all governments since independence. Malays as a whole, like other races, have got richer but the gap between the Malay haves and have-nots has widened. The corruption and waste these policies engender seem to have got worse in recent years.

As criticism has grown, UMNO's leaders have resorted ever more frequently to growling that nobody should question the “social contract”. This is a reference to the metaphorical deal struck between the races at independence, in which the Malays got recognition that the country was basically theirs, while the Chinese and Indians were granted citizenship. The veiled threat of violence lurking behind calls to uphold the social contract was made explicit during last year's UMNO conference, at which one delegate talked of being ready to “bathe in blood” to defend Malay privileges and the education minister, no less, brandished a traditional Malay dagger.

The hypocritical Malay dilemma

The social contract may once have seemed necessary to keep the peace but now it and the official racism that it is used to justify look indefensible: it is absurd and unjust to tell the children of families that have lived in Malaysia for generations that, in effect, they are lucky not to be deported and will have to put up with second-class treatment for the rest of their lives, in the name of “racial harmony”. When the mild-mannered Abdullah Badawi took over as prime minister from the fire-breathing Mahathir Mohamad in 2003, there were hopes of change for the better. Mr Badawi preached a moderate, “civilisational” Islam and pledged to crack down on corruption.

Four years on, corruption, facilitated by the pro-Malay policies, is unchecked. The state continues to use draconian internal-security laws, dating back to the colonial era, to silence and threaten critics. UMNO continues to portray itself to Malays as the defender of their privileges yet tries to convince everyone else that it is the guarantor of racial harmony. One commentator this week gently described this as a “paradox”. Hypocrisy would be a better word.

The damage caused by this state racism is ever more evident. Malaysia's once sparkling growth rate has slipped. Racial quotas and protectionism are scaring away some foreign investors. While Malaysians celebrate having done rather better than former British colonies in Africa, they must also notice that South Korea, Taiwan and their estranged ex-spouse Singapore have done much better still. The economic consequences alone justify ending Malaysia's official racism. Even without them, it would still be just plain wrong.



http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9724393

[Ordie]

The Malay first policy is starting to backfire.

US and UK universities no longer consider class placement as a requisite for Malay applicants.

I know former Ex-pats telling me, than when in Malaysia, always get a Chinese doctor.

I knew one of the many architects on the Pentronas Towers, telling me that they had to appoint Malay architects to the job regardless of merit. They were hired just to get the contract.

[Tempest]

Won't happen: tourism is a major industry and despite a few fundamentalists, hardline Islamism doesn't fit the Malay mentality. Factor in the business elite being largely Chinese and Indian and it seems nothing more than wishful thinking on the part of conservative Muslims. Some states already have stricter religious laws than KL and its districts, but the major Urban and political centres will always be pretty liberal.

It's already happening. Last year, an elderly & married couple from US got busted in their own home in the middle of the night in Langkawi on suspicion of 'khalwat'...

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/02/23/2003349857

[LaoSexMachine]

Oh well it's their country.

[Dr_ColoSSus]

Oh well it's their country. 4 Hours Ago 07:34 AM

Who's country?

Are you really that ignorant? The Chinese and Indians are just as much a part of Malaysia as the Malays. To continue down this path reeks of modern day Apartheid.

[gary1910]

The Malay first policy is starting to backfire.

US and UK universities no longer consider class placement as a requisite for Malay applicants.

I know former Ex-pats telling me, than when in Malaysia, always get a Chinese doctor.

I knew one of the many architects on the Pentronas Towers, telling me that they had to appoint Malay architects to the job regardless of merit. They were hired just to get the contract.

It has already backfired on them quite some time ago.

Becos of the racial quota for their higher education, they are admitting some Malay youth who are weaker into their own institution, causing a drop in standard in those institution, some MNCs do not even recognise some of their degrees, and most are quite poor in English which means MNC will tends not to employ them anyway.

Secondly, with almost quarantee places in their higher education, it is not necessary for Malay youths to work hard, so at the end of day , who's suffer?

In fact there is large unemployed Malay graduates atm.

Their own NEP is suppose to make the Malay race stronger, but they are actually getting more lazy and dependent on the govt!!

Their cronyism ( the govt officials and their cronies) are siphoning off their own govt funds whereby the govt having to pay for higher price and yet with low quality and efficiency for their contracts.

The percentage of non Malay( i.e.2nd class ) citizens are getting smaller and smaller due to many have migrated.Those who have left are actually highly educated , which means talent outflow from Malaysia.

A few years back, former PM Dr. Mahathir tried to entice those outflow talents from Malaysia with monetary incentives to come back to Malaysia, but the result is poor.

And now according to reports, it is affecting inflow of FDI as well, so Malaysia economy is slowing and could suffer even more in the future.

All these bought about by their almost 40 years of racist policy.

[Ordie]

Singapore also suffers from a brain drain of Singaporans, but its mitigated by an influx of ex-pat brains.

The challenge for Singapore is to nurture "the creative class" by making Singapore less boring.

Sorry to change the subject.

[gary1910]

Singapore also suffers from a brain drain of Singaporans, but its mitigated by an influx of ex-pat brains.

The challenge for Singapore is to nurture "the creative class" by making Singapore less boring.

Sorry to change the subject.

Emigration is a personal choice, many Singaporeans have started to station in foriegn lands but SG also has a large influx of foreign talents as PR and some eventually even became citizens.

From abt 2mils citizens in 1965 to now is abt 4.5mils including 3.5mils are citizens, mainly from other parts of Asia.

In fact, the govt is thinking how to house 6.5 mil in the future, our population has been growing on average at some 100,000 annually for the past five years or so and we currently have a population of some 4.5 million. If the current trend continues, we will have 6.5 million people by year 2027.

So far, we have no problem in attracting foreign talents, in fact quite a number of them has become citizens after years working in SG.

[Eokboy]

I see some Singaporeans having a field day writing and pasting articles... :) Don't get me wrong. I agree with your points, and I'm a malay muslim.

The Malay first policy is starting to backfire.

US and UK universities no longer consider class placement as a requisite for Malay applicants.

I know former Ex-pats telling me, than when in Malaysia, always get a Chinese doctor.

I knew one of the many architects on the Pentronas Towers, telling me that they had to appoint Malay architects to the job regardless of merit. They were hired just to get the contract.
Good move. The harder they're hit the faster they'll figure it out and start a change.

The general outlook looks bleak no matter how the government-controlled media tries to create a pseudo "feel good factor". Fortunately, the politicians are too challenged to realize the power of the internet. There is growing awareness among Malaysians of all races through alternative news sites and blogs. The coming general election will be interesting to watch. If BN still gets a landslide victory, I hope foreign media will expose these fraudsters.

In conclusion, its all fine and dandy to highlight all the **** thats happening here right now, but please spare some moral support for the few guys fighting for a better Malaysia.

[Tempest]

In conclusion, its all fine and dandy to highlight all the **** thats happening here right now, but please spare some moral support for the few guys fighting for a better Malaysia.

Yeah.. you're right. I apologize. Hope there'll be less and less division in the country that's Truly Asia!:)

[Freedom-Fries]

Is Malaysia a Middle Eastern country?




Not yet
http://mattstone.blogs.com/journeysinbetween/images/2007/06/30/angry_muslim.jpg

the Malaysian Muslims are primarily Muslims Malays, but there are large numbers of Indian and Pakistani Muslims. Islamic dress is becoming more popular with costume such as the hijab, Malaysia's status as a model of a moderate Muslim democracy is being called into question because of growing Islamisation by Mega-Muslims lobbies. The attorney general, Abdul Gani Patail, recently suggested that the country's legal system be changed to take Islamic rather than English common law as its basis. Malaysia also tells you what you can and can not eat and called off a cull of pigs because if concerns it could stoke tensions between Asian pig farmers and their 'peace-loving' Muslim neighbours.

[hypermount]

Hope this will clarify this issue once and for all...way too much spin here especially from haters especially from those down south.

Make a report to the ACA, Nazri tells Hanif

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/6/parliament/18795697&sec=parliament

FORMER Inspector-General of Police Tun Hanif Omar should submit details of allegations of police corruption to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.
Replying to Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur), Nazri said Hanif was being irresponsible if he did not do so.

On Aug 12, Hanif had said that a very senior ACA officer had confided in him that 40% of senior officers in the police force could be arrested without further investigations – strictly on the basis of their lifestyles.
“This is the phenomenon of this country. When you are the chief (ketua), everything is fine.
“When you are the former chief (bekas ketua), everything is no good,” Nari told Lim when winding up the Supplementary Supply Bill at committee stage.
On reports which quoted Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim as suggesting another substitute of procedures to replace English common law, Nazri said Ahmad Fairuz had contacted him recently and told him that what was reported was untrue.

[hypermount]

Not yet
http://mattstone.blogs.com/journeysinbetween/images/2007/06/30/angry_muslim.jpg

the Malaysian Muslims are primarily Muslims Malays, but there are large numbers of Indian and Pakistani Muslims. Islamic dress is becoming more popular with costume such as the hijab, Malaysia's status as a model of a moderate Muslim democracy is being called into question because of growing Islamisation by Mega-Muslims lobbies. The attorney general, Abdul Gani Patail, recently suggested that the country's legal system be changed to take Islamic rather than English common law as its basis. Malaysia also tells you what you can and can not eat and called off a cull of pigs because if concerns it could stoke tensions between Asian pig farmers and their 'peace-loving' Muslim neighbours.

Funny fella, do you know how a Malay or Malaysian looks like? :bash:

rofl

[Deurzakker]

It would be interesting to see them *** up the sharia law part for the "malaysia truley asia" advertising campeign.

"Malaysia Jihadi Asia"

They could probably cater to tourists from Saoud-Arabia, London and Pakistan.

[gary1910]

Funny fella, do you know how a Malay or Malaysian looks like? :bash:

rofl

Maybe this is a better one:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Hisham_Keris.jpeg

From Newsweek:

Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein unsheathed a keris (Malay dagger) at the meeting. Party supporters perceived the gesture as invoking Malay power and pride, but critics said the minister was pandering to racist elements in UMNO's youth wing, which Hishammuddin heads. Twenty years ago, the youth wing had displayed banners calling for the keris to be bathed in the blood of the minority Malaysian Chinese.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi disavowed the inflammatory rhetoric in his speech to the UMNO conclave, and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak suggested that the police have a word with delegates who'd used extreme language. Still, the UMNO chest-thumping makes clear that the moderate Abdullah is struggling to cope with a surge in intolerant—and in some cases extremist—behavior by his base of Malay Muslims.

http://www.jeffooi.com/2006/11/kerishamudin_in_newsweek.php

[DavidDCM]

When talking about Malaysia, most people just think of KL and the rest of the peninsular. Sarawak and Sabah are also part of Malaysia, but there the Muslim Malays are a minority themselves. In Sarawak it's 20%, in Sabah even only 10% of the whole population that are Muslim Malays. I can't really imagine that Shariah law can be enforced there, with around 85% of the people not even being Muslims?

[Eokboy]

Maybe this is a better one:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Hisham_Keris.jpeg

From Newsweek:


http://www.jeffooi.com/2006/11/kerishamudin_in_newsweek.php
Disgraceful. A traitor to the malay race and Malaysia as a whole.

[Eokboy]

When talking about Malaysia, most people just think of KL and the rest of the peninsular. Sarawak and Sabah are also part of Malaysia, but there the Muslim Malays are a minority themselves. In Sarawak it's 20%, in Sabah even only 10% of the whole population that are Muslim Malays. I can't really imagine that Shariah law can be enforced there, with around 85% of the people not even being Muslims?
I believe all talk of Syariah law enforcement, even if it is to be implemented in Malaysia which I don't think it would, should only apply to muslims. Syariah law is never meant to be imposed upon non-muslims, and if it does it is only when a convicted non-muslim chose to be tried under Syariah. Otherwise, forcing syariah law on non-muslims is wrong and sinful.

[Ordie]

I believe all talk of Syariah law enforcement, even if it is to be implemented in Malaysia which I don't think it would, should only apply to muslims. Syariah law is never meant to be imposed upon non-muslims, and if it does it is only when a convicted non-muslim chose to be tried under Syariah. Otherwise, forcing syariah law on non-muslims is wrong and sinful.

Okay, what if I were a Catholic Malaysian who wanted to marry an Muslim Malaysian? Would I need to go through the civil courts or the syariah court?

Would they recognize an overseas Malaysian Muslim convert to Christianity?

Malaysia is at a fork in the road. It must either choose to be part of the West (as in the case with Singapore) or be a part of the 6th Century Arab Civilization.

From my point of view I see a train wreck within the next 15 years unless there is a national unity government to temper the extremist.

[Eokboy]

Okay, what if I were a Catholic Malaysian who wanted to marry an Muslim Malaysian? Would I need to go through the civil courts or the syariah court?

Would they recognize an overseas Malaysian Muslim convert to Christianity?

Malaysia is at a fork in the road. It must either choose to be part of the West (as in the case with Singapore) or be a part of the 6th Century Arab Civilization.

From my point of view I see a train wreck within the next 15 years unless there is a national unity government to temper the extremist.
Marriage and conversion cases is a hot topic now. The situations you posted is tricky indeed. But instead of trivial complications like these, I prefer to focus on the positives brought by a more Islamic adminisration: racial equality, less corruption which translates to economic prosperity and increased quality of life.

Of course, this kind of Islamization needs to be brought over by opposition parties, not the half assed face value effort the ruling party is going about to blind muslim voters. The reality is, I believe the malay majority is incompetitive because they proclaim themselves as muslims yet they fail to uphold Islamic values by holding on to racist policies and are easily distracted. There are no such things as 30% stake and 7% property discounts for bumiputeras in the Quran. The malays who form the majority must realise this as soon as possible, otherwise the country is screwed in 15 years like you said. These people are also muslims, and as strayed as they may be, Islam itself is considered very dear. This is why I think Islam is the best way to convince the majority to seek real change.

It is the true Islam, based on equality irregardless of skin color, moderation and rational thought, zero corruption and values progress. None of that "let schoolgirls die in a fire" wahhabism. Malays are no wahhabis and many despise Arab extremism. This may sound funny to most here and I understand my opinion is totally out of place. I may also be too idealistic and I know there are always extremists out to ruin the whole bunch. But yeah, the racial polarisation needs to be addressed and I wholeheartedly believe Islam is the way to go. If it isn't, what are you going to tell the rural malay voters, somewhat gerrymandered to become kingmakers
, in order to convice them to give "Malay Hegemony" a rest and abolish state sanctioned racism? Without Islam, they'll lash back at you for trying to take away their "rights". If I tell them Islam forbids race based affirmative action, they'll change their minds in a jiffy, which many malays are already being made aware of through blogs and such.

You can tell me to choose between Western secularism and "6th century Arab civilization". You can condemn me for choosing the latter too, but if that option works why would I bother listening to you?

[IraGlacialis]

Just wondering: could this end up having a influx of immigrants north towards Thailand?

[Freedom-Fries]

Just wondering: could this end up having a influx of immigrants north towards Thailand?

why do you think that ?

[IraGlacialis]

why do you think that ?
Well, regime changes in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma have all caused massive migrations towards Thailand (many times as a way to get to the US). It stands to reason that if Malaysia switches to Sharia law and becomes really oppressive, there is a chance that a migration may occur towards Thailand (despite the situation in the south), as well as Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia.

[Playtime]

Well, regime changes in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Burma have all caused massive migrations towards Thailand (many times as a way to get to the US). It stands to reason that if Malaysia switches to Sharia law and becomes really oppressive, there is a chance that a migration may occur towards Thailand (despite the situation in the south), as well as Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia.


hm.... OTH.. rebels in Southern Thailand may decide to migrate into Malaysia too? In a funny way, at least in the short term, some countries in the region may even benefit by "encouraging" their more fundamentalist citizens to go there.

[Mastermind]

Who's country?

Are you really that ignorant? The Chinese and Indians are just as much a part of Malaysia as the Malays. To continue down this path reeks of modern day Apartheid.


It would seem "Aprathied" is just fine with the modern world so long as it is practiced by oil producing Islamic states. Remembering the world outcry over "Aparthied" in South Africa in the late 60's and 70's...I worked in a foundy making critical castings for nuclear plants...we could not get an ounce of chromium ore. We had to basically steal, beg and connive what little we were able to get because the lofty, holier-than-thou groups here in the US had managed to get the gvt to embargo Chrome that came from Rhodesia and South Africa...the only other resource for chrome was in the USSR...and we were not trading very well with them at the time.

I don't hear a peep out of those same cats now over Darfur or Somalain Muslims treating Christians and Jews to a special dose of lead coated "Aparthied". And if they accept it for the Arabs and Persians, well, what's a little step over the old conscience for Malaysia to start whipping Christians and Bhuddists in the streets?

[HangPC2]

The Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) has announced that it would “no longer tolerate indecent dressing” by women, both Muslim and non-Muslim.

Public relations officer Mohd Azman Daham said that under local council by-laws women who “dressed sexily or indecently” could be fined up to RM500.


http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/7449/mpkblawwomenclotheh5.jpg

[HangPC2]

Tesco In Kelantan





http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8509/tescokelantan01qv6.jpg


http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8808/tescokelantan02up7.jpg





Sources : http://raykinzoku.fotopages.com/

[HangPC2]

Advertisement billboards with Jawi inscription and decent looking model are very unique to Kota Bharu.
Perhaps no where else in Malaysia, for similar trend to be found.


http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8272/iklanmuslimkotabaru00os0.jpg


http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1743/iklanmuslimkotabaru01qy7.jpg


http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3596/iklanmuslimkotabaru02gn0.jpg


http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5606/iklanmuslimkotabaru03tx8.jpg


http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/5562/iklanmuslimkotabaru04vf7.jpg


http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7510/iklanmuslimkotabaru05fq4.jpg


http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7112/iklanmuslimkotabaru06pw4.jpg


http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5877/iklanmuslimkotabaru07gp8.jpg


http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5305/simpangempatwakafsikuadls4.jpg


Sources : http://raykinzoku.fotopages.com

[HangPC2]

Kelantan Scenery


http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/952/kelantanview01rt2.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9629/kelantanview02jk5.jpg

[HangPC2]

There is probably no way for a first timer to Kelantan,
venturing into the state's supermart or hypermart ( the groceries section )
to miss this common but unique sight :


http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1430/kepatuhanislamkelate01he8.jpg


Perhaps by now,
every Malaysian might have already known that Kelantan,
the only Malaysian state governs by the Pan Malaysian Islamic Party ( PAS ),
required all supermarkets to have separate lines for male and female at the paying counters.
More on the list are public concerts, public functions or gatherings and some other related activities
and even goes to anyone who would like to reintroduce the cinema back to the state.

So far I dont see the locals complaining about it and me, I choose to stay optimistic.



http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/7417/kepatuhanislamkelate02rv8.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8796/kepatuhanislamkelate03yt7.jpg

* The newspaper article is a trimmed version of the original article from
The Times, " Battle of the sexes leaves men groping for equality ".



As in Kelantan, the rule is " State-imposed ".
Rather unfortunate as it happens at times when most Malaysians prefer to see every move
by the politicians as merely a " political stunt " rather than a " practical solution ",
resulting only a handful few takes the rule seriously. *
And to make matters worst, Kelantan is currently under the Oppositions,
which explains why some Malaysians choose to be sceptical or critical whenever it comes to the state's matter.

But if that is really the case,
I wonder whether the following is a political stunt too...

In July 2006, a well known Kelantanese express bus operator,
minus the government intervention or pressure, managed to come up with a revolutionary
new idea for their service :


http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/223/kepatuhanislamkelate04pk0.jpg

[Warlord]

That photo up there looks like something of an identity crisis for Muslim Malaysians.