From ‘Muslim groups query MM’s remarks’, article by Zakir Hussain, 29 Jan 2011, ST, and Media statement by AMP, 27 Jan 2011, AMP website.
…He (MM) also said that Malays would never close the gap in educational attainments with the Indians and Chinese, ‘because as they improve, the others also improve’.
…AMP (Association of Muslim Professionals): This is regrettable. To state this in print is effectively condemning the Malay/Muslim community as a lagging and marginalised community, even in the longer term.
(AMP Media statement): …The state-promoted policy of SAP schools (where it could be argued that students do not have the same opportunity to mingle with other communities) manifests the assertion of the Chinese identity. The Speak Mandarin campaign is yet another example of the assertion of Chinese identity. The MMC has accepted these assertions of identities as part and parcel of living in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community. Just like other Singaporeans, we celebrate diversity of beliefs and practices. It is therefore perplexing to see the Malay/Muslim community as being unfairly singled out for reasons which we cannot fathom.
So we’re taking potshots at each others’ campaigns now are we? Look what you’ve done, MM, not only will you get away with your insensitively ‘candid remarks’, but you’ve effectively deprived other authors itching to have a shot or two at the Muslim divide (but afraid to) of bestseller cred. They’re probably poring over their discarded manuscripts now, bewildered by how such incendiary material could go uncensored under a tacky moniker (Hard Truths), and all this while they have been racking their brains, getting mental constipation trying to bring their point across in a gentlemanly manner without getting their work banned outright, or jailed for inciting racial violence for that matter. We also need some enlightenment from AMP on the terminology, whether it’s Malay, Muslims, Malay-Muslims, or Malay/Muslims, an identity jumble like how people would call Blacks, African-Americans or Afro-Americans, for the concept of interchangeability between ‘Malay’ and ‘Muslim’ is murky. If you use Malay-Muslims, this excludes Malays who are not Muslims. If you use the slash you’re referring to both. So which is it already?
Whether these wily observations are true or not doesn’t change the risk of them being taken the wrong way by angry fundamentalists in our midst. This apparent islamophobia has been simmering for an uncomfortably long time and someone should rise up and put MM’s comments in their rightful place, that they represent only the grevious rantings of an old man who just lost his beloved wife and not the Chinese in general. Naturally, and quite sadly, the current official leader of the country who is supposed to, you know, fix such things, is dead silent on this issue, probably praying for another bout of flash floods or a university sex scandal to distract a jittery general public, like how a son would tug nervously at his father’s sleeve while he’s furiously beating up a bully for knocking over Ah Boy’s sandcastle. Other than friendliness and academic performance, our then SM also had something to say about their dress sense as well (22 May 2001, Today)
So thankfully, we’ve moved beyond overblown tudung shenanigans, proof that despite such fears being amplified by exalted politicians, Singaporeans have generally come to terms with our differences and speak of what we find unappealing about each others’ cultures only in hushed tones. Earlier on, this rise of the Arabic nations was the same apocalyptic theme used to explain why his Malay MPs no longer eat with him (Gap between Malays and others a fact of life, 23 Jan 1988, ST), and that this gap between the races will exist as long as Singapore will continue having a non-Malay Prime Minister. For more precious nuggets of wisdom, buy MM’s book, WikiLees, I mean, Hard Truths today!
Postscript: Our PM did speak up after all, coming to the defense of disappointed Malays and/or Muslims all across the region by stating that he does not share the perspective of his father. Only makes one imagine how such conversations are played out at the Lee family dining table.
PM: ”Pa, I beg to differ, I think the Muslims have integrated well with society. Despite their strict traditions, they have still managed to contribute immensely to the economy. In fact I’m going to give a press release about this tomorrow. I have many Muslim friends who invite me over to their place for Hari Rayas, I’m not going to miss out on auntie’s fantastic beef rendang just because you told them to be less strict with their practices.”
MM: “Pass the salt”
Filed under: 1980s, 2000s, 2011, Campaigns/Elections, Dress sense, Politicians, Racism, Religion Tagged: | discrimination, dress sense, education, hard truths, Lee Kuan Yew, MM Lee, muslims, Politicians, Racism, Religion, tudung
