Race and Religion in Malaysia SYNOPSIS COMMENTARY

Race and Religion in Malaysia By Ariel Tan SYNOPSIS The controversy over socks with the word “Allah” on them has aroused discontent and highlighted the divisions within the ruling coalition government in Malaysia. [...] The controversy over the socks issue is the latest in recent weeks, highlighting divisions within the Anwar government and Malaysian society on the politics of race and religion. [...] The socks episode reveals the conundrum and frustration of Malay leaders in the ruling coalition, and their need to declare their obligation to Islam above all else. [...] He brushed aside the demand that UMNO go along with the unity government’s inclusive approach, saying that the party’s principle was to defend Islam, the Malays and the rulers. [...] The Prime Minister of Malaysia has always been the central figure in keeping interracial peace and the sharing of the economic pie.