Islam and politics in Malaysia since 1957: fluctuation between moderation and radicalisation of the state, society and religion

Akhmetova, Elmira (2019) Islam and politics in Malaysia since 1957: fluctuation between moderation and radicalisation of the state, society and religion. Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization, 9 (2). pp. 1-19. ISSN 2075-0943 E-ISSN 2520-0313

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Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship in post-independence Malaysia between the state, civil society and the country’s dominant religion, that is, Islam. When Malaya obtained independence from the British in 1957, many expected that Islam would lead to social and economic decline. The constitution states that Islam is the state religion, although it also states that religious freedom for non-Muslims is assured without discrimination. Since then, religious affairs have remained a state responsibility and Malaysia has been hailed for decades as an oasis of moderate Islam. However, during the last few years religiously motivated hatred has become prevalent and popular in Malaysia for many reasons. This paper underlines the factors that have led to the growth of hate and the decline of the moderate Islam previously found in Malaysia. It proposes that the radicalisation of Malaysian Muslims should be evaluated within the framework of current geopolitics and the impact on the well-being of the Muslim world, rather than localising it into regional and national faults. The paper argues that Islam in Malaysia is an instrument that shapes the political behaviour of the public and the ruling elite. Lastly, the paper proposes that effective governance and ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected are some of the most effective ways of eliminating extremism and preventing radicalisation

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7311/77157
Uncontrolled Keywords:	good governance, Malaysian General Elections 2018, Malaysian nation-state, politicisation of Islam, religious challenge, religious extremism, religious pluralism, terrorism
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP171 Relation of Islam to other religions B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.5 Islam and world politics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.55 Islam and nationalism B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.7 Islam and politics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP188.16 Wasatiyyah. Moderation In Islam J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) > JF2011 Political parties J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia > JQ1758 Public Administration -Religious Aspects - Islam J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia > JQ715 Politics and Government in Malaysia
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of History & Civilization
Depositing User:	Dr Elmira Akhmetova
Date Deposited:	31 Dec 2019 23:57
Last Modified:	05 Mar 2020 12:19
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/77157

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