We are living in the era when our modern politics meets with kleptocracy.
Then somehow theocracy wants to get involved, too.

A case in point is Anne’s preposterous experience.
It teaches us the importance of naming a product or food,
And shows us how creative those authorities are.

Afterwards,
Owing to the controversial policy by the famous fast-food giant,
The resentment from a fraction of people has been fuelled.
Small-scale protests or boycotts did happen.
But, sad to say, Malaysians are always absent-minded.

Recently, a state in our nation has become the talk of the town.
Some unmarried couples were arrested for riding on motorcycles together.
Interesting statement which could sum up the case is,
“Keep your hands to yourselves or face the consequences”.

Siti Kasim is a true fighter wrestling with this trend.
However, one Siti is definitely not enough.
Consciousness among the majority groups in Malaysia must be evoked,
Through updated and inclusive education.

We are taught to be devout, but not to be fanatical.
Bear in mind, religious bigotry could result in endless wars.
Here, to those sensitive people,
According to the universal value that I learnt,
My two sentences stated above target extremism,
Which is irrespective of religions.

We are living in a multicultural country and under secular constitution.
Throughout history,
We can see theocracy will often lead to religious oppression.
If we could not free ourselves from these shackles,
I am afraid that,
One of these days,
We will discover that we will be led by the nose,
By those authorities who masquerade themselves as holy “saints”.

We must resist the religious hegemony by putting on the armours.
The armors are spreading more love, showing more respect,
And working hard to reach the unity in diversity.

BESTON TAN YON CHIN is a student studying law in Malaysia.