'This is an Islamic state ... if anyone doesn't like it, just get out of Malaysia.' Who is the Islamic citizen who made this statement ? It was not a PAS politician but an Umno member of parliament by the name of Badruddin Amiruldin.

There is no term more misunderstood as 'Islamic'. To the Muslims it stands for the best of morals and ethical standards eg, justice, compassion, equality/non-discrimination, non- compulsion etc.

But it is also used to cover up some less than savoury things. Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad used the term Islamic country even though there were enough un-Islamic things happening in Malaysia such as vote-buying, gerrymandering, detention without trial, cronyism, political rent- seeking, the notorious 'Ali Babas', rampant corruption, poor transparency, abuse of power, racial discrimination and communalism.

The problems which conflict with the moralities and ethics demanded by any religion - including Islam - are so many that they would sink any claim that Malaysia is anywhere near an Islamic state.

If someone said this: 'If you cannot accept Malaysia as a non-corrupt, transparent, fair to all, non-discriminatory, truthful country (all likely meanings of an 'Islamic' country ) then get out' what would your response be?

Certainly you will question if the claims are true in the first place. Why accept the claims so blindly? And worse accept the feelings of rejection and demoralisation. Similarly, if it is stated that the country is `Islamic' would the statement be accepted just like that?

If Badruddin was asked to justify his 'Islamic country' claim he would be cornered. There are just too many things for him and his party - to answer for.

There are also those usually from the Opposition - who say that should the `Islamic country' tag be used often enough, many Islamic policies will then be justified to the detriment of the non-Muslims.

Well, if the politicians who use the 'Islamic' tag are always challenged to live up to the ideals of tolerance, fairness and respect advocated by the religion (and also by other religions), they will be a bit shy to make the 'Islamic country' boast after a while.

As to specific religious policies, the citizens are free to challenge them if they are unfair, discriminative, compulsive etc on those basis. Not on the basis that they are `Islamic' knowing that this word carries different meanings to different people.

The meanings of `Islamic' are not the monopoly of politicians. No one is given a license a monopoly at that - to use it as they see fit.