One must also understand the socio-economic context of this heightened Islamic sensitivity in this country. An overwhelming majority of Malays are first-generation urbanites. Living in the cities, they are being challenged in many ways, including having to come to terms with globalisation, greater competition in the workplace, rising living costs etc. Adding to this is the perception of greater attacks by the non-Malays (which I assume to be politically-driven). All this add up to one big thing - siege mentality and greater insecurity. As such, even what before could have been brushed-off is now heightened. Also, most first generation urbanites do not understand certain progressive ideals which would be part of ones curriculum in Western education. I am not saying they should accept these ideals but definitely there is little comprehension of the very ideas that they oppose. Hence, their suspicion of liberals. They also have limited exposure to city-life. KL is being positioned as a global city and along with it, lifestyles that are common in global cities now appear in KL. The Malays get culture shock and see it it as deliberate attacks to their way of life. A cosmopolitan city is multi-dimensional, unlike in a village. There are many races that live, work and play in a city, not only multiple races but popular cultural tribes, e.g. skinheads, trendies, tech geeks etc. This is, again, something the first generation urban Malays are not used to. Again, culture shock. If a certain race wants to have a beer garden party, it is their right to do so, as long as they fulfill all necessary permits and licences. Malaysia is their country too. The Muslim Malays dont go la. If there are Malay Muslims who do go, then there are sufficient laws to deal with them. Its up to the religious authorities to enforce these anti-drinking laws or not. I do not see the need to express my shock and horror at every drinking pub, party or gala. I dont go nor do I urge my Muslim brethren to go either.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 10:48:41 +0000
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