is Islam above the law?

Apparently, according to Dr Shamsul, it is. In a letter to Malaysiakini, the writer implies that there is no reason why non-Muslims should talk about Islamic law. The following statement sums up the relevant message the writer wishes to bring across.

Being a Muslim means abiding by all the principles of Islam. All, mind you. Not 99.9 percent. All. No matter what the Federal Constitution says, to a Muslim it will never be above Islamic law.

I don't wish to incur the wrath of my fellow citizens. Granted, the interpretation of the Syariah laws in this country have not yet reached Talibanism standards. But the signs of it approaching are slowly emerging. With the ongoing tussle between UMNO and PAS to demonstrate which party is the best upholder of Islam in the country, the Malay race (the dominant Muslims in Malaysia) is divided.

Furthermore, because of the stringent interpretation of the Islamic laws, many times innocent bystanders are harmed or humiliated by the actions of the Religious Departments, as seen in the recent JAWI raid on Zouk KL. To put it more bluntly: the non-Muslims suffer.

What does this add up to?

If the government is sincere in its aspiration to create a united Malaysia, the current situation isn't very encouraging. With staunch Muslim defenders such as Dr Shamsul, the recent postponement of the Interfaith commission, gradual "islamization" of the country, moral policing, Malaysians are divided by religion. And since in Malaysia, where the Malay race is automatically a Muslim, we are also divided by race.

It is through open communication, understanding and acceptance that unity can be encouraged to emerge. If we constantly shut away the avenue for open discussions and forums in the name of protecting the "sensitivity" of the People, or provoking the "rage" of god, or "insulting" the beliefs of others, then we will never be able to live in harmony.

There are people who will do everything to defend their faith, regardless of the facts that proclaim otherwise. These are labeled "extremists", who do not view logic as something substantial or important. In Malaysia, we are fortunate to be free from extremist militants.

However, extremism in the form of "religious overzealousness" exists. These are the people who do not wish to listen to other viewpoints, nor learn more about different religions. To them, "only my religion is right; everyone else's is wrong." And that is where the blockages to true unity are. It's not in the schools, it's not in the work place, it's not in the media.

It's inside each of us.

One inspired citizen can make a difference.
30 million Malaysians can change the world.

(if only...)