Kent Otto

Local: Wednesday, May 30 @ 4:45 p.m.

Malaysia’s freedom of religion sounds good on paper – but is far from reality.

The highest court in the country today - in a highly publicized ruling - denied a woman’s request to have the word “Islam” removed from her identity card. Each citizen’s ID card denotes his or her religion and – by law — all Malays must follow the Islam religion. Indians and Chinese (the other major ethnic groups in the country) and others are exempt from the requirement and are free to worship as they choose.

But be a Malay born citizen, and forget about converting to anything else. Lina Joy – a household name in Malaysia because of her fight – was born into Islam and has attempted to have the Islam name removed from her identity since she converted to Christianity and changed her name almost ten years ago.

The civil court claimed they had no right to rule on the situation as these matters should be dealt with by Sharia courts.

Sharia courts handle the dealings of Islamic citizens and typically hold jurisdiction over family and property issues. Unlike the U.S., the Sharia law supercedes that of the civil law for Muslims. Therefore, while the civil law promotes freedom, the Sharia law says otherwise. This makes it nearly impossible for a Muslim-born citizen to officially convert.

While other religions like Christianity and Hinduism have some of the same guidelines as Islam, no court or enforcement officials exist to ensure the followers of the religion are behaving appropriately. While I lived in Shah Alam (during my first visit to the country), the religion police could often be spotted driving around in a van ensuring no unmarried Muslim couples were being left alone. (Pre marital sex is grounds for punishment under Sharia law.)

Interestingly enough, two of the three judges who decided the judgment were Muslim. The lone non-Muslim was the only voice in favor of the woman’s request, claiming all should have the right to practice the religion they choose.

So why is it so important to have the simple word “Islam” removed from the card? For one, all Muslims are to buried under their traditional rites. Therefore, even if they followed Christianity or another religion, they would have to be buried in a Muslim burial ground. In addition, a Muslim can only marry another Muslim so the ID card would prevent her from marrying a fellow non-Muslim.

Many (particularly non-Muslims) think it’s a step backward for the county. I must agree. I understand the country’s want to protect their majority religion, but it’s just a shame that someone be forced to move out of a country to follow their beliefs. It’s far from America, but then again, our country is becoming increasingly secular as well. Still, I doubt anyone is going to be rewarded in the end for their well doings after having been forced by law to do so.

Local: Saturday, May 26, 2007 @ 4 p.m.
Location: Royal Bintang Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Isn’t it interesting how easily jaded we become? How desensitized we are after just a few experiences? The same experiences we spend much of our lives simply dreaming of. Then, all of a sudden, they become nearly habit. Like it’s just another aspect of our routine.

In this case, I’m talking about travel. Upon arriving at the Springfield airport, I was asked if I was excited or nervous about the trip. And, to be honest, I was neither. Maybe it’s because I’ve been here before or because I “needed” to be the calm one in the group. Who knows, but either way, I find it fascinating that something so paramount at one time becomes so simple so quickly.

Regardless of the feelings toward the actual act of travel, we have indeed arrived. After over 30 hours of travel (this being the third trip to Asia I’ve made), we landed in Malaysia. Everything is so familiar. It’s like I never left. The sights, the heat, the smells … it’s all here. Everything I became fond of — everything I despised — is right in its place.

Our hotel is surreal. Just as nice as one you’d find at home complete with flat panel televisions. It’s a bit different than the last accommodations we endured – this time we have hot water, a regular toilet and air conditioning. I’m not sure if I’m happy or frustrated that this is where we’re staying. Part of me wishes the rest of the group here could see what a typical Malaysian student endures, but the other part of me is glad no one else has to experience it. I suspect many are probably better off being shielded from reality – something universities have perfected.

On an aside, Malaysian passports are now issued with RFID capability – the same technology stores like Wal-Mart are experimenting with that would allow you to check-out a full cart of merchandise just by pushing it through a big reader. So, add RFID to the list of technological advances the developing world has surpassed the U.S.A. with.

However, while Kuala Lumpur boasts the largest twin towers and a host of companies that are on the cutting edge of technology developments, the poorest of poor reside just a few hours away. Think dirt floors, outhouses and plumbing that’s far from adequate. The contrast is dramatic. Now, a few years ago I probably would have said this same contract doesn’t exist in the U.S. But then I visited Laredo, Texas and a few other cities in the U.S. that illustrated how wrong I really was. They exist in our own country, we just choose not to think about them. They exist all over the world, but somehow that fails to make it onto the CBS evening news.

Which leads me to my next point. The economic success of the U.S. is obviously envied by those around the world. Our jobs, our movies, our clothing, our music is sought by many. Globalization has led to a watering down of such cultures who attempt to standardize their lives to that of the western world. What does it afford them? Some levels of success, of course, but as them attempt to imitate our prosperity, they also inherit our problems. Obesity, crime, inequality. They’re all problems we face on a daily basis and it seems that as these former third-world countries further develop, they begin to acquire the downside as well.

Is it worth it? I’m not sure. Our view of the what is comfortable or best is just that – ours. Ours and definitely not everyone’s. So why do we think we should force it on everyone? We do it everyday. Whether it’s visibly forceful in Iraq or quietly in Malaysia, it’s there.

Enough of the deep thought for today. I’ve just had a few thoughts I wanted to share that I’ve had in the back of my mind for a while but have especially surfaced in light of my current situation.

Believe it or not, I’ll be traveling to Malaysia for the next few weeks as part of a Drury study abroad program. I’m taking two classes (Business Law & Management Information Systems) and will make stops in Vietnam and Singapore while in Asia. Afterwards I’m heading to Europe with stops planned in Rome, Paris, Granada (Spain), Hamburg (Germany), London, and Dublin (Ireland).

Looking forward to getting started on the summer journey. Since it’s my last summer free, I figure I may as well do as much traveling as I can. I’ll try to post some thoughts on this blog along the way.