Dina Zaman has been pestering me to write something on Islam for Rentakini for quite some time. She wanted to have a different perspective. For various reasons I have postponed her request. For one, I can only speak as far as an interested observer, who had undergone secular education throughout my life. I do not want to be pulled into specific issues of which I do not have knowledge of. Furthermore, controversies have erupted over a whole array of issues related to Islam which has polarised the debate.

In her last e-mail she provided me with the opportunity to take a different perspective vis--vis Islam: about a Malaysian Muslim (or as some prefer, Malay Muslim) student in the United Kingdom, on the eve of coming home.

What are things I cherish more back home?

In a way, I value the fact that Malaysia being a Muslim-majority country; it is easier for me to practice Islam. The cultural norms of our country dictate that it is easier (and of course cheaper) to hang out with friends as that involves getting a glass of teh tarik at the neighbourhood mamak; here in the UK it tends to mean going to the local pub. More importantly, I cherish the strong sense of community a legacy of our kampungs (villages); and our strong family institution. These are the values that have shaped me and which are seen in a different light in the UK.