DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA (2005)
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Population: 1,505,600 (est.)
Ethnic groups: Malay 92.50%, Chinese 3.5%, Other Bumiputera 0.82%, Indian 0.26%,
Others 0.97%, Non-citizen 1.95%
Religious Breakdown (2001): Islam 94.5%, Buddhism 4.4%, Tribal Animism 0.5%, Christianity 0.2%, Hinduism 0.2%, Taoism/Confucianism 0.1%
Incidence of poverty (2004): 10.6%
(Hardcore poor: 1.3%) |
In Malaysia, a progressive and modern Islamic democracy is at work. Yet, this north-eastern peninsular state is still greatly influenced by the conservative PAS (the opposition Islamic Party of Malaysia). The party obtained a landslide victory in the recent 12th General Election to win 38 out of the 45 state seats and nine out of the 14 parliamentary seats. When asked to comment on the shocking win, PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat replied, “Terkejut”. This much revered man in Kelantan had in October 2005, declared Kota Baru, the state capital and royal seat, an Islamic City.
Politics
Kelantan was the first place in Malaya to be occupied by the Japanese who invaded on December 8, 1941. During the Japanese occupation, Kelantan came again under the control of Siam, but after the defeat of Japan in August 1945, Kelantan reverted to British rule.
In 1959, two years after independence from Britain, PAS began to rule Kelantan and it lasted for 18 years before Barisan Nasional took over in March 1978. PAS regained this deeply conservative Malay heartland in October 1990 and has since been the ruling party.
Islamisation
In response to royal encouragement and an expansion of Islamic education, the 19th century saw religious bureaucracies developing in Kelantan. Achievements were measured by standards that acclaimed Islamic learning and scholarship. There were few signs of economic development.
For years, PAS has attempted to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic Law on Kelantan. Efforts to enforce Muslim precepts and eliminate un-Islamic practices have been accorded continuing priority. Legal administration has been brought more closely under the supervision of syariah courts. Compliance with outward forms of Islam, such as mosque attendance, was made obligatory, while emphasis was placed on dress code and observant of fasting month.
Between last January and May, more than 80 women were fined for not wearing headscarves at work (NST, Jun 24, 05). Certain social rules have been successfully imposed, for example single-sex queues in supermarkets; separate public benches for men and women; and limited entertainment centres to forbid indecent behaviour.
One of the most controversial steps PAS has taken is to outlaw traditional arts in 1991, such as Wayang Kulit, Makyong, Dikir Barat, and Main Puteri. In attempting to weaken the effects of such prohibition, performers have discovered new ways to resolve cultural dilemmas, that is producing versions without traditional references to Hindu dewa dewi and traditional Malay hantu.
Performances by women are allowed only for female audience in an enclosed area. PAS maintains that these steps are essential to promote Islam and put an end to immoral behaviour among the Muslim population.
In its efforts to push the dakwah movement among the Orang Asli community, the State Islamic Development offers RM10,000 to Muslim missonaries who marry OA women.
Other incentives include free housing, monthly allowance of RM1,000 and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A special unit has recently been set up to focus on converting the OA (NST, Jun 27, 06). It was reported that 2,094 OA converted to Islam in 2005.
Terrorism
Kelantan had earlier been implicated as a training ground for separatists who were responsible for the unrest in southern Thailand. Nevertheless such claim was firmly refuted by the Malaysian government. The unrest Muslim-dominated Narathiwat shares its southern borders with Kelantan.
Religious Freedom & Rights
In November 1993, Kelantan State Legislative Assembly passed the Hudud Enactment which demanded death penalty for apostasy, but to flood during the monsoon season. Last November, the districts of Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai and Kota Bahru were badly afflicted.
Others
Kelantan’s domination by empires such as Srivijaya, Majapahit, Angkor and later Siam has exposed the state to various Hindu and Buddhist influences that can be seen in certain spiritual and cultural practices. The Kelantanese are known for their potent charms and spells. Some are known to even consult Siamese monks and witchdoctors to obtain supernatural powers. The usage of amulets and talismans is widespread among certain groups.
Religion has been a tool for many to safeguard their own personal interests.
The Church
Churches are few and are confined to urban areas with a high proportion of Chinese, such as Kota Bharu. There is a serious lack of leadership and church growth has been slow. Some churches do not have full-time pastors and depend on full-time workers from outside Kelantan.
The turnover rate for full-time workers is said to be quite high. The outflow of young people can be a source of discouragement.
There is generally a lack of passion for the lost, and a need for local leaders to be trained and empowered not only to lead their congregations but also in evangelism.
As a whole, the Church is lacking of manpower and resources. Much effort is also needed for unity among different denominations. Certain parts of Kelantan, especially the rural areas are totally devoid of any Christian witness.
Pray
- State government: integrity and wisdom, to put public interests above personal political gain.
- Church: Spiritual renewal. For boldness, courage, wisdom and God-given strategies to reach out to the lost.
- Unity and teamwork among denominations.
- More full-time pastors and workers in Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Machang, Tanah Merah, Jeli.
- Alertness on the Malaysian police guarding the Malaysia-Thai border.
- Orang Asli Community: social wellbeing, education, religious freedom.
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