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Officials warn non-Malays not to question Islam
An influential council of Malaysia's state rulers has warned people not to question the supremacy of Islam or the special privileges enjoyed by the country's ethnic Malay majority.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 October 18, 2008
Kuala Lumpur: An influential council of Malaysia's state rulers has warned people not to question the supremacy of Islam or the special privileges enjoyed by the country's ethnic Malay majority.
Racial and religious tensions have increased in the past year as minorities have become more vocal in their complaints about an affirmative programme they say unfairly favours Malays.
In an unprecedented comment on current affairs, the sultans of nine states did not directly accuse the Chinese and Indian minorities of stoking anti-Malay feelings, but said recent statements and forums "held by certain quarters" had "caused provocation and uneasiness among the people". Questioning the special position of Malays "can lead to disunity and racial strife that can undermine the peace and harmony", the state rulers said in a statement.
The warning underscores tensions in Malaysia, where Muslim Malays comprise 60 per cent of the nation's 27 million people.
The lengthy statement, issued on Thursday night, follows a two-day meeting of the sultans, known as the Conference of Rulers. The hereditary sultans occupy ceremonial offices but wield considerable moral authority among Malays.
"It [the warning] is quite unprecedented and I think it is coming in response to what the country is facing - what the rulers perceive as the fracturing of racial harmony," said Tricia Yeoh of Centre for Policy Research, a think-tank.
The statement reiterates the supremacy of Islam, the special position of the Malays and the guarantee to protect minority rights - all enshrined in Malaysia's constitution.
"Non-Malays should not harbour any apprehension over their genuine rights because these are guaranteed," the statement said.
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