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In response to the letter Food for thought from Singapore Muslims , I would like to say that the socio-political condition in Singapore is quite different from that in Malaysia. Muslims account for only 15 percent of the population of Singapore - unlike Malaysia where they are the majority.

Consequently, the Islam that is practiced in Singapore is somewhat diluted when compared to Malaysia's. In any case, Singapore Muslims still have to grapple with what I call the 'different aspirations problem'.

Muslims in Singapore - like Muslims elsewhere - want to retain their Muslim identity and this places constraints on their aspirations, world-view and values. The Chinese in Singapore however, have a more Westernised outlook - especially among the young and the English-educated.

Therefore their aspirations may be different (and some surveys show that they are indeed different) from those of the more conservative Muslim minority. How to reconcile these differing aspirations or diverging paths? This is the crux of the 'different aspirations problem'.

It is fine and nice to see the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore coming up with a grand and noble vision but I guess we may have to wait for at least a generation or two before any results can be seen. And that's assuming such plans do work out alright.

Finally, I would like to say that Singapore has yet to have its own 'Singaporekini' where editors practice freedom of speech and accept the right of reply without prejudice and without political bias.

Can the PAP tolerate a 'Singaporekini'? The world is watching ...

Which brings me to another country the world is watching - us. It seems that some fellow readers do not understand the freedom of choice. Firstly, to criminalise any act and then say one is free to do it is certainly not the freedom of choice. Where is the criminality in wanting to interpret and practice religion differently?

The state should not interfere in religious choices. Secondly, the issue of criminality should not even be raised because no damage or harm has been done. So what if I do not follow strict Islamic teachings? Maybe I party hard ... but what damage or hurt have I inflicted upon others?

I think the Islamisation programme in Malaysia has gone too far. Where will we draw the line? Pretty soon even the non-Muslims will be affected by all this Islamisation. And after that - based on the concept of 'amar ma'ruf dan nahi munkar' - I suppose the Islamists will want to spread their 'enthusiasm for a theocracy' around the Asean region too.

That's when Malaysia will get one very hard knock reminding her of her limitations. Everything has its time and place. Even the Islamisation programme. I say it is time to stop any further Islamisation before serious harm is done.


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