SherKhan50710
Submitted by admin on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 08:41
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PDF versionSome scholars argue, Islam should be reinterpreted first and then democracy will prevail. Others think that once democracy is implemented, Islam will reform. But it’s not a ‘chicken and egg’ conundrum and there’s no element, not by any stretch of the imagination that could come first because the two are utterly incompatible. There can be no viable democracy as long as Islam is factored into the equation. It's like requiring heart surgeons to wear boxing gloves while performing transplants. It's like dusting furniture in a sandstorm. It's self-defeating, it's impossible and it's daft.
In Malaysia , UMNO (United Malays National Organization) is working like a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object). Ever since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957, UMNO has dominated the country. That's almost half a century. Are we to praise Malaysia 's stubborn consistency or would it be more honest to doubt her democracy? Through the years, the ruling party has used many different kinds of ammunition to subdue its opponents: the Internal Security Act, the Sedition Act, the Official Secrets Act, the Printing and Publications Act, the Police Act, the Universities and Colleges Act. With so many amazing Acts, it sounds more like a three ring circus than a democracy!
Although Malaysia practices a form of religious tolerance, it is only out of self-interest. Luckily for them, the Kafirs of Malaysia generate lots of revenue for the economy. Hence, their necks have been spared from slitting. But Dr. Mahatir, the UMNO bigshot, proclaimed Malaysia an Islamic state, and in the meantime, the PAS, a genuine, from-bad-to-worse, heavy metal throat-slicing Islamic party is gaining momentum via a grass-roots campaign.
In Indonesia , a political party with an Islamic agenda gained seats in the 2004 National Parliamentary election. Although its influence remains marginal, they are slowly nudging towards their goal of full Islamization. The Prosperity and Justice Party, similar to the PAS of Malaysia racked up 25 percent of the seats compared to their previous 16 percent figure.