The new Malay dilemma: Arrogance plus fear

A constitutional lawyer asks Malays to ask themselves why they feel so insecure.

PETALING JAYA: Malays who think Islam is under siege are suffering from a curious mental disorder in which arrogance is mixed with feelings of insecurity, according to writer and constitutional lawyer Syahredzan Johan.

“They feel superior because of the special position of the Malays, and they fear losing that position, which means losing that feeling of superiority,” he said.

“Furthermore, simply because they are the majority, they think that whatever they say must be correct.”

Syahredzan, who is a member of the Bar Council’s Constitutional Law Committee, was commenting on speeches made at a recent forum organised by Pembela, a coalition of Muslim NGOs.

The theme of the forum was “Islam Under Siege”.  Speakers at the forum alleged that there was a Christian conspiracy to convert Muslims, and this theme has been taken up by the Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia.

Syahredzan, who is also columnist for Sinar Harian, said Muslims had only themselves to blame if it was true that large numbers of their brethren were leaving the religion.

“Surely there is something wrong with the way Islam is taught here if there are Muslims converting.”
He said it was strange that Muslims should fear for the future of Islam when it is the fastest growing religion in the world.

“Everything seems so sensitive,” he said. “Muslims have to look at why we are so insecure.”He also commented on an Utusan Malaysia report on Saturday that quoted blog articles about an alleged plan to have a Christian as Malaysia’s prime minister.

Syahredzan said this was unlikely to happen because Malay Muslims outnumbered others in Parliament.
He added that the position of Islam as the religion of the federation was secure even if a non-Muslim became prime minister.

The matter was also raised at the Pembela forum. Participants said they worried that a Christian prime minister would not be able to advise the King on Islamic matters.

“Article 40 of the Federal Constitution states that the Agong would receive advice from a minister authorised by the Cabinet,” said Syahredzan.