Insider on the outside

Nothing like reading about your own country from an outsider's perspective. I came across this American site trying to describe the practice of human rights in Malaysia (Link.) I think it is very interesting. Of course like all such articles, it has its share of biasness. I guess for me the feeling is like having an outsider telling you things about yourself. The insider's perspective of the same issues can differ greatly and even if we see the same things, we may feel very differently about them. One possible reason is we have our own internal set of values which will affect our evaluation of the issues. This is not always a matter of right or wrong but simply different. My concern however is that it gives a one-sided view of the situation and would breed fear about Malaysia, deterring them from this beautiful nation which has so much to offer.

The issue of religious freedom is a matter of concern. Quoting from this article,
Muslims who wished to convert from Islam faced severe obstacles. In 2001, a High Court judge rejected the application of a Malay woman who argued that she had converted to Christianity and requested that the term "Islam" be removed from her identity card. The judge ruled that an ethnic Malay is defined by the Federal Constitution as a "person who professes the religion of Islam." The judge also stated that only an Islamic court has jurisdiction to rule on the woman's supposed renunciation of Islam and conversion to Christianity. In 2002, the Court of Appeal upheld this decision. These rulings made conversion of Muslims nearly impossible in practice.

The recent case of M. Moorthy gives rise for concern. As reported in the International Herald Tribune:
"...a religious court declared that a deceased, M. Moorthy, a member of the first Malaysian team to climb Mount Everest, was a Muslim - and insisted that he be buried according to Muslim rites - despite the fact that he had been born a Hindu and, according to testimony by his wife and family, had never converted to Islam. The powers of the Muslim religious authorities were then confirmed by the High Court, which ruled it could not intervene in a decision by the religious court. In other words, in modern, multi-ethnic, inclusivist Malaysia, the religious courts are a law unto themselves."

We need to consider carefully the implications of this case. The widow in this case would have limited means to challenge the assertion of the Muslim authorities in the Syariah courts. I understand that the testimony of a non-Muslim will not be admissible in the Syariah courts. It is disturbing to see her denied the basic rule of law and provision for a fair hearing.

What should be our response as Christians in Malaysia? We need to arise from our slumber and place of comfort. This does not mean we simply and thoughtlessly react to the situation but a considered response is called for and perhaps even to take necessary action. Our apathy and inaction itself will bear a message.