MISCONCEPTION

A while back there were increasing assertions that Malaysia is an Islamic State.

In the Federal Constitution, Islam is the official religion of Malaysia but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the country . The FC also states that it (the Constitution) is the supreme law of Malaysia.

A petition was forwarded to me a few months back. The Article 11 petition sought to create awareness of the Federal Constitution -- our rights secured therein; together with the concept of the rule of law.

I signed it, and further forwarded the petition. Whether you sign it or not, it really is up to you.

Some replied my email and said "are you sure you want to sign it?" A few people have stopped emailing me altogether. Oh well. To each, its own. It touches religious and racial sensitivities anyway. I just wish people wouldn't be so quick to pass judgment and form rigid uninformed opinions.

Of utmost importance, one MUST be clear on what is an Islamic Country and what is an Islamic State.

The former is a country in which the majority are Muslims. The latter is a country in which the supreme law is the syariah.

Clearly Malaysia falls under the former category. Our supreme law is the Constitution. That is all Article 11 is about -- the Federal Constitution and its supremacy. It does not seek to CHANGE anything, it just seeks to create awareness of what is ALREADY in our Constitution.

Now there is this whole brouhaha that Article 11 seeks to revive the Inter Faith Commission initiative, seeks to attack the administration of Islamic Law and position of the Rulers.

Where did that come from?

Get your facts right!