The respected menteri besar of Kelantan and spiritual leader of PAS visited Semenyih recently on Nov 22 and delivered an hour-long message that was intently listened to by the thousands who congregated, huddled under the open night sky.

In clear, simple terms Tuan Guru unfurled the beauty of God's gift to humanity. He brought forth the conviction and fervent gratitude that he held for Islam. His speech was matched by his total beingness as the crowd held their breath every second.

This is no exaggeration. And the many examples that this spiritual leader drew in the course of his humble and earnest sharing, made the politics of Malaysia a shame.

Yes. Islam is not the copyright of any single race. Islam is not the absolute right of any political party. Islam was never intended to be an instrument of any personal and private agenda of politicians.

Unfortunately, despite all the years that Islam has been around in this nation, and especially since the past fifty years when we took absolute control over the destiny of nation and people, more damage has been done to Islam than good.

Today, Islam is politicised. It has become the absolute right of the ruling political party.

One single race is made out to be the sole inheritors of Islam while denying the greater glory of Islam. In China, billions are professing this faith. Likewise in India. And there are Muslims all over the world including Africa, Europe and the Americas.

But in Malaysia, Islam is made out as a faith that is not to be shared. It is a sole copyright. Anyone who is not 'Muslim' is frowned upon and deemed not qualified to express his or her little knowledge and curiosity about Islam.

Through the practices in the social environment in which we co-exist, the followers of Islam are carved out to be an exclusive community that stands detached from others. This is very clear even in the way a Muslim extends his or her salutation before a mixed crowd - be it at a political rally, a school assembly or a social gathering.

And thereby alienating the creatures of God even further. Thereby diminishing the magnitude and glory of Islam further.

Unfortunately, despite fifty years of independence, we have failed to even correct the perception that non-Muslims have about Islam here in Malaysia. Instead, the thoughts, words and deeds of those in power have earned Islam a tarnished image. And for this, the failing men and women have to be held answerable before God.

Why did the ruling party not propagate God's latest gift to mankind like how the early traders spread the Word across the face of this planet without copyright, pride, or prejudice?

Why do the politicians continuously carve out an un-palatable and tarnished perspective of the faith that scares the non-believers?

Indeed, Tuan Guru, may the Peace of The Most Merciful be your blessings. You have certainly opened thousands of eyes and hearts from amongst that multi-racial and multi-religious crowd that turned up that night in Semenyih.

The very fact that Hindus and Christians stepped forward on-stage to acknowledge your revered presence speaks volumes of how you have enabled these 'non-believers' to respect and honour Islam.

If only all politicians who claim that they are Muslims could have done the same, this nation would have blossomed a long time ago. We do not even need that number called 2020.