I was finally able to pen down some longer thoughts on the Allah issue in an article – “Allah,” 1Syaitan, Pride and Prejduice.
Reading the comments, which I accept open heartedly, I think I am even more compelled to conclude as such:
If both sides insist on regarding this as a proxy war for larger issues, everyone will lose.
If we are only debating whether it is say, more appropriate for Christians to use the term “Allah” or “Tuhan,” taking all factors and feelings carefully into consideration, then perhaps we can hope for a light at the end of the tunnel.
However, if we all insist on declaring this to actually be a battle about the fundamental rights of Christians in Malaysia, or defending Islam against some global conspiracy to convert Muslims, then I think the Umno hardliners will achieve their goal in creating something akin to the 1969 atmosphere that propelled them to illegitimate power.
I know it is tempting to see this issue as a representative one – where “winning” = a successful defense of the cause of our respective religions, and “losing” = giving too much face to the other side that will result in further “losses” in the long run.
I am convinced however, that if one disregards the intentions of certain parties in favour of the majority, this need not be the case.
I also feel that while the condemnation of the violence last week has been encouraging, the voice of moderates who believe that some compromise from both sides (with certain guarantees that there are no bigger, devious motivations behind whatever decision is made) is a good thing has been woefully lacking. Is there anyone out there who feels that way?
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