Islamic Revivalism, Religious Freedom and the Non-Muslims in Malaysia: A Preliminary Discussion

Abstract

The non-Muslims' responses towards the Islamization policy of the government and Islamic revivalism in Malaysia and their major organisation aims regarding non-Muslims affairs have many things in common. From the questionnaires and interviews, it is possible to summarise the responses of the non-Muslims in Malaysia. Although the Malaysian constitution guarantees the non-Muslims religious freedom and rights, what matters are the actual practices of the Malaysian government and civil servants in implementing the constitutional provisions. The non-Muslims are not convinced about their constitutional rights. Generally, their fear are based on the lack of a clear and open discussion. The non-Muslims sense of insecurity will be increased as long as their rights are denied or neglected. Attempts to Islamize Malaysia will further intensify the nonMuslim's feeling of disadvantage and they will react to fight for their rights.