Islam and the future of inter-ethnic relations in Malaysia 

Author:  Chandra Muzaffar
Publisher: International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia
ISBN:  9789834427412
Weight: 0.2 kg
Pages: 62
Year: 
Price: RM15

In this paper, Chandra Muzaffar traces in time how the understanding of Islam by UMNO (the United Malays National Organisation and the largest component party of the ruling National front coalition), and PAS (Malaysia's Islamist opposition party) affected the notion of citizenship' as embodied in the Malaysian Constitution.

 He explores the growing identification with Islam among Malays in the 1980s and 90s; an identification process due largely to the Malay 'identity crisis' caused by progressing urbanization. A degree of polarization emerged as a result of a new emphasis on Muslim identity. He outlines how the two parties learned to accommodate the non-Muslim 'Other' while at the same time safeguard their Malay Muslim' (UMNO) or 'Muslim Malay' (PAS) identity.

 Dr Chandra Muzaffar also emphasises the role played by the need to win and hold on to power by accommodating the 'Other'. Looking into the future, the author feels that both parties need to come to a better understanding of the true meaning of citizenship' in a modern state. He assures us that there are resources within Islam that can assist Muslims in articulating a conception of common citizenship' that satisfies the requirements of modernity and, at the same time, enables Muslims to uphold their Islamic identity.