by Leslie Lopez, Senior Regional Correspondent
The Straits Times, January 11, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: In 1990, the Malaysian government headed by then-Premier Mahathir Mohamad quickly cooled the anti- establishment fever gripping the country by tapping a very emotive issue - religion.
Facing a serious challenge from an opposition alliance headed by former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the government filled state-run television and newspapers with a photo of its rival wearing a native headgear with a cross-like design just days before a general election.
The not-so-subtle message was that Tengku Razaleigh, a prince from the north-eastern Kelantan state, would sell out the Muslims to the Christians if the opposition came to power.
The gambit worked, and the pro-opposition fever that gripped Malaysia died immediately and the government returned comfortably to power.
Malaysia today finds itself in a similar position with anti-government sentiments, particularly among the country's politically dominant Muslim Malay community, at their highest levels.
But if any group hoped that the 'Allah' controversy could be exploited for Umno's political gain, it may be disappointed. Instead of uniting the Malays against the country's minorities, the shocking events of the past week have put Umno on the defensive and split Muslim public opinion.
Early last week, government ministers had shrugged their shoulders and said they could not stop Muslims wanting to demonstrate at mosques after Friday prayers, to denounce a High Court ruling which declared that the Roman Catholic Church's weekly newspaper could use the word 'Allah' as a reference to God.
But hopes for massive nationwide protests at mosques did not materialise. At the Masjid Negara (national mosque) which typically has a congregation of more than 3,000 on Fridays, fewer than 300 - and they were from the organising group - stayed behind to wave fists and banners.
Tensions heightened after reports emerged that four churches were attacked in the early hours of Friday, leaving one place of worship gutted by fire. Three other churches and a convent were also targeted yesterday.
Many Malay-Muslims have quickly condemned the attacks, as has Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The Christians have not retaliated. The mood has been one of disappointment and anxiety all around, but what is certain is that no one wants to see tensions escalate and most people are seeking to calm things down.
It would appear that Malaysians, particularly the Malays, have matured politically and are able to easily spot tactless and crass political schemes.
Datuk Seri Najib has angrily rejected claims that elements within his ruling Umno party may have been involved in provoking last week's attacks.
But as Tengku Razaleigh, who has since returned to Umno, told a conference in Singapore last week, the government must take responsibility for allowing emotions to run high over the issue.
There is unhappiness among Muslims who see the court ruling as an encroachment of their religion and right to the word that has a special, evocative meaning to them.
There is also the fear that usage of the word by Christians may make it easier for them to proselytise among Muslims.
Rather than seeking to assuage or address such concerns, some have instead sought to fuel these anxieties and profit politically from them.
The controversy presents a major challenge for Mr Najib and the Umno party that he leads. It risks undercutting the major strides the Premier has made in pushing the central theme of his new administration - the 1Malaysia policy which is aimed at bringing the country's multiracial and multi- religious communities together.
There is also a longer-term political threat, particularly from the size- able Christian populations in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, where the strong electoral support for the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition helped Mr Najib's Umno retain power in the 2008 general election.
The Arabic word 'Allah' has been used by Christians in Malaysia - particularly East Malaysia - and in Indonesia for centuries.
It is not clear whether the public debate over the reference to God in Peninsular Malaysia will influence public opinion in Sabah and Sarawak towards the government.
What is clear is that predominantly Muslim Malaysia, which is struggling to find its economic footing, is taking multiple blows to its image of being a truly multi-religious and inclusive country.
First, it was the planned caning of a Muslim mother of two for drinking beer.
That was quickly followed by the parading of a cow's head by elements linked to Umno over protests against the construction of a Hindu temple.
Last week, the 'Allah' controversy and the church attacks became major news for international broadcast and print news networks.
That is not Malaysia. The country deserves better.
Mr Najib's challenge will be to show that he is the Prime Minister for all Malaysians and will not be held ransom by the narrow vested interests who seek to undermine his 1Malaysia vision.
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