I would like to comment on the perceived rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Malaysia. Let me begin by saying that Islamic fundamentalism will most certainly fail as a socio-political experiment in Malaysia. Why?

Because Malaysia is economically pressured to industrialise and women are a cheap supply of labour for the factories etc. Indeed women are also active in various professions. Segregation of the sexes becomes impossible to administer and we have to be more liberal towards mixing between the sexes.

In light of this point, I would say that the recent 'Sure Heboh' issue is the result of overzealousness in implementing Islamic ideas that are not suited to Malaysia. Malaysia is not Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the non-Muslims of Malaysia are not 'dhimmis' in any sense of the word. They are equal partners as citizens of Malaysia in a power-sharing arrangement. The Malaysian government cannot afford to alienate them especially since they form 40 percent of the population and have a large stake in the Malaysian economy.

Consequently, as long as Islamic fundamentalists avoid addressing the serious practical issues I have raised, their ideology is doomed to failure. And this makes them all the more dangerous to Malaysian society - because they can take Malaysia down with them.