How Malay is a Malay Today?

According to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia Article 160,“Malay” means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and -

• (a) was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or was on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or
• (b) is the issue of such a person;

Question is what kind of “Malay” do we see nowadays? Maybe it’s wise to look at this definition to see if a Malay today really is… a Malay.

To be claimed as a Malay, the person must profess the religion of Islam. “Profess” in this context would mean “to affirm belief in” or “to practice”. As Muslims, during this holy month of Ramadhan, they are urged by Allah S.W.T to fast during the day, read the Quraan, perform Tarawih prayers or Tahajjud among other things so that they can be closer to Allah.

This Ramadhan alone we saw the following incidents made by Malay Muslims which are against the teachings of Islam:

• The notorious cow-head protest against the free to practice any religion as supported by the Quraan and Hadith.
• Insulting another religion by stepping and spitting a sacred animal’s head, according to the Hindu beliefs.
• Disrespecting the animal by calling it stupid while Allah sees all animals are of great benefits to mankind.
• Name callings and unable to control emotion during a leaders-residents dialogue when actually fasting teaches us to be patient.
• During a by-election final speech, a prominent leader was seen accusing another man of KILLING a woman without strong evidence – Fitnah and gossiping are strongly prohibited especially during Ramadhan.
• Some were trying to take the rights away from a Muslim mother-of-two wanting to be a good Muslimah by accepting the Syariah Law punishment for drinking.
• Muslim men caught not fasting without showing evidence of rukhsah (exclusions)
• Muslims caught drinking alcohol, having close proximity (khalwat), taking drugs, gambling and zina (adultery).

Thus, can these people still be called Malays as they do not practice Islam correctly?

Next, a Malay should habitually speaks the Malay language. However some even too shameful to even speak the National Language for example:

• “I sound stupid when I speak Malay,” – some actress I can’t remember her name
• Trying in vain to copy the slang of the local people in London even though they are talking to fellow Malaysians.
• “WHATT??? I mean… Whu-k? (British slang)” - classic Londoner-wannabe blooper.

And finally, a Malay should conform to Malay custom… don’t make me started on this one because it will only trouble the Malaysiakini editors to fit the pages. Okay I will give one quote as an example:

“What are you wearing? Baju Melayu? Ish, you are so KAMPUNG!”

Jeg Hui