Publication

This article discusses contemporary controversies which shed light on Malaysia's struggle to identify itself as a nation-state integrating the best of both modern and Islamic civilizations. The author examines the conflict on the interpretation of the constitutional clause stating that Islam is Malaysia's official religion. He argues that the delicate balance between modern and Islamic elements has recently been threatened by the increasing penetration of a form of orthodox Islamist legalism which antagonizes non-Muslim minorities and unduly homogenizes the Malay-Muslim population.