The tension rises over use of "Allah"

The tensions have increased since I last blog about this issue with the burning and attempted arson of churches in Malaysia. Evidently, this is not doing any good for Singapore as we are geographically and ethnically intertwined, like how the troubles spilled over in the 1960s. But I am glad that we have managed to stay out of the troubles up north, which, in my opinion, may have more links to politics and racial bigotry. Singapore is obviously more edgy about our Doraemon figures not having the Chinese Zodiac Pig to complete the Lunar New Year celebratory from MacD. It might also be the fact that we have been conditioned over the decades that a multi-racial-religious society can only stay cordial and integrate when religion is kept separate from politics. Afterall, an explosion is only expected when a spark meets with petrol.

Perhaps it is times like this that I am glad we have separated from Malaysia...not because they're a less developed country but because they have chosen to organise their politics along racial lines, and inevitably religious lines as well. In fact, most other times, I think I might be happier there with a slower pace of life and cheaper cost of living. Combustible is the word to describe the racial-religious politics in Malaysia and increasingly so since Barisan Nasional/UMNO less than authoritative showing in the 2006 general elections. Even the mainstay of past decades, the New Economic Policy and affirmative action for Malays, are being debated by UMNO themselves.

One can only wonder why the Malaysian leaders allow the "Allah" saga to see the light of the courts and the media. Not that I am anti-liberty, or anti-freedom of press, but such sensitive issues should be thoroughly discussed or amicably settled between the various religious leaders and government before it is released to public and spun mercilessly by negative elements with the masses aroused. With a cauldron of oil one only needs a spark to start a fire. Maybe the various religious leaders up north don't have tea together regularly. Can have teh tarik and kueh kueh this week, then next week we have chinese tea and vegetarian snacks?! Ease up dude...I will pray for peace and understanding.