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The prime minister should be commended for stating that Malaysia was neither a secular state nor a theocratic state pretty much in accord with the unique 'rojak' and hybrid situation that we are in.

Conservative advocates of an Islamic theocratic state will not be happy.

Reiterating that Malaysia is a multiracial nation that observes freedom of religious practice, what the prime minister said about "we are a government that is based on parliamentary democracy; a government that is responsible to the Parliament and the people" is diametrically opposed to an Islamic state.

Now radical Muslim movements worldwide and in Malaysia view themselves as counter-forces to cultural domination by the West of which secularism is a Western imperialising concept.

Knowing that the concept "secular" is an anathema to them, the PM said, "Secular nations do not practise such (i.e, religious) freedom. To them, religious practice can only be done at home". This is of course true : in purely secular countries, religion is a matter of home (private realm) and not public realm where government promotes from public funds any particular religion.

But before those who aspire for an Islamic state could turn ecstatic of their dream come true, the PM next clarified that was not promoting the official religion, Islam only - though the fact that it is given more emphasis is not stated or need be stated but also all religions. He said the government gave due attention to all races, who enjoy religious freedom as provided for in the constitution. "Be it a surau, masjid, temple or church, when there is a need for it, the government gives the necessary aid."

The PM further added : "It is a government that is made up of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, who work together and discuss together development policies for the nation."

These words make it abundantly clear that as far as Pak Lah or the government is concerned we're not going the way of the Islamic state which would be a state where Islam only is given aid, and the government has to be made up of Muslims only and not people of other faiths.

Well said, Pak Lah.

The PM has made a very important statement to clear the air after the confusion that was precipitated by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Rajak's statement that we're an Islamic state, and we should give credit where credit is due to commend him for making this important statement on the eve of the 50th Merdeka celebrations.

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