My analysis is simple, and will be elaborated more soon.

Basically, I think there is an ongoing conspiracy to divide Malaysia.

Sdr. Lim Kit Siang was kind enough to reproduce the whole written reply, which if you scrutinise, will give you some idea why theSun ran the mild-mannered “M’sia neither secular nor theocratic country” whereas Malaysiakini yesterday ran:

PM: Yes, we ARE an Islamic state

Departing from his previous ‘not secular, not theocratic’ stand, Abdullah today specifically said that Malaysia was an Islamic state in an answer to a question in Parliament.

I’m proud to note however, that Malaysiakini has today produced a slightly more balanced analysis, which speaks to the heart of the matter:

However, Abdullah could have meant that Malaysia was an “Islamic country” as his statement was in Bahasa Malaysia and “negara Islam” could mean either ‘Islamic state’ or ‘Islamic country’.

My analysis is that Abdullah/Umno is purposely vague, and purposely - with malicious intent - trying to stir up this debate and incite heated exchanges; pretending to clamp down on such debate, while all the while promoting it more in the least healthy manner possible.

Abdullah and his unholy gang knows how this issue can polarise Malaysians. He couldn’t care less about losing the non-Malay vote; the only ‘face’ he gives is not to use the English term “Islamic state” but instead uses the ambiguous “negara Islam.”

This way, he seeks to undercut Umno’s old enemy Pas, and gun for the Holy Grail of Kelantan.

Blur as he may be, Abdullah (probably) knows that if he can drag the Opposition into polemics and divisive issues like this one, Umno is the only victor.

It is incumbent on us not to fall for this trap, so take care my colleagues! This battle is not worth ‘winning’ (how on earth does one ‘win’ this fake battle anyway?) if it means costing us the war.

Umno is swinging far to the right, pandering to the most divisive sentiments out there. This reckless lack of concern for collateral damage should give you an idea of what will happen if we keep letting them run this country.

As for the Islamic State? I really couldn’t have said it better than polytikus@bolehland :)

Tags: Malaysian Politics, Religious Affairs //