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Save Malaysia from becoming an Islamic State   Media Statement by Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew (Petaling Jaya, Monday): In his last speech as the President of UMNO, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad again argued that Malaysia is already an Islamic State. He even hit out at PAS, claiming that PAS is not true to real Islamic teaching. Whatever Mahathir may have claimed, he should know that Malaysia is in reality a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious society. He should also know that Malaysia should remain so in the interest of all Malaysians. This pluralistic nature is enshrined and protected in the 1957 Merdeka Constitution. It is a social contract agreed upon by all our founding fathers of the nation. He may be the Prime Minister but he alone cannot change this fundamental cornerstone of this nation. I have pointed out this to him in a brief exchange of words during a seminar organised by the Selangor State Government and Ikim last year. Malaysians should be reminded that the late Tunku Abdul Rahman has even publicly warned all political leaders " not to turn Malaysia into an Islamic State" in his birthday party attended by Mahathir and other government leaders. The late Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn supported his contention. Both have realised the danger and consequences of turning a multireligious society into a theocratic one. We were saddened and shocked when the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad made a pronouncement that Malaysia is already an Islamic State on 29 September 2001. At that point of time, we have sensed that this "929 Declaration" will certainly launch the nation into a frenzy of Islamisation, threatening the multireligious character of the country. And we believe that such declaration, although made without the consent of the Parliament, will inevitably sparked off a race between UMNO and PAS, each trying to outdo the other as the real authority of Islam. The recent events and developments have proven our fears were not unfounded or without a basis. Overzealous politicians and municipality officials all over the country were seen scrambling to show how "Islamically-correct" they were. Here are just some of the rulings and suggestions put forward by various leaders and government servants after the "929 declaration": selling of condoms over counters in Selangor beer signage for coffeeshops and restaurants in Selangor Cut down the number of pubs, bars and other entertainment outlets in Selangor Dog owners need to obtain a consent from his or her Muslim neighbour before a licence can be issued in Johor Baru Holding hands in the parks is forbidden in Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Penang No selling of pork in open markets in Selangor No-Muslims students were asked to participate in morning prayers in Penang Non-Muslim students were asked to wear "tudung" (headscarf) in Perak No pig farming will be allowed after 2005 in Pahang Some of these measures were either withdrawn or pending implementation after much resistance from the Non-Muslim communities. If we do not put a stop to all these nonsense, soon there will be others calling for banning unmarried couples to sit in the same bike or same car, women are not allowed to drive, no more holding hands for lovers, pork-sellers need to hide meats in drawers, or consumers can only buy pork meat in cans. The list can be endless, so is our nightmares. Meanwhile, books and pamphlets were being produced to promote Malaysia as an Islamic State. Forums and seminars were being organised to speed up the process of turning Malaysia into a real Islamic State. Delegations were also being sent to Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries to study on Islamic States. On the other hand, PAS is suggesting placing the Syariah laws above the Constitution in its blueprint for an Islamic State. The party is also suggesting that the premiership of this country be reserved for Muslims only. Besides our liberties and democratic rights being challenged and threatened by all these unhealthy and undemocratic trends, there are other negative consequences the moment Malaysia was labelled as an Islamic State. After 911, the gap of general misunderstanding and suspicion on Islam and Islamic States was widened to an even greater level. The United States has since put up very stringent measures for visa applications, especially against those citizens coming from Malaysia and other Islamic States. Canada has doubled the cost on visas for Malaysians. Others started to issue travel advisories to their citizens, warning them to be watchful or avoid visiting Malaysia and other Islamic States. All these would inevitably effect the tourism and economy of Malaysia, and eventually bringing hardship and difficulties to the Malaysian people. Malaysians who cherish a free, liberal and democratic way of life should wake up and work together with DAP to save Malaysia from becoming an Islamic State. The coming general election is our last chance to send a message to the BN government that Malaysia should remain as a free, liberal and democratic state. We need to say NO to 929 right now, not after the damage is done. Turning Malaysia into an Islamic State is a journey of no return. The party is ever willing to step up the "NO to 929" awareness campaign. But we need the participation of every rightful thinking Malaysian, regardless ethnic and religious backgrounds to save Malaysia from becoming an Islamic State. (23/6/2003) * Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, DAP national publicity secretary