The August 12 elections are the clearest indication thus far of the shift in Peninsular Malaysia towards a more conservative ethno-religious milieu. The signs have been there, of course, but few expected it to unfold as quickly as it has. Remember, it was only a few years ago that we were giddily celebrating the birth of a “new” Malaysia.

PAS-led PN, which has positioned itself as the champion and torchbearer of Malay-Muslim exceptionalism, is quickly moving to consolidate its power. On its present trajectory, PAS will likely emerge as the hegemon by GE16 (if not sooner) and thereafter will be in a position to implement its ethno-religious agenda.

What such a state will look like has already been extensively articulated by PAS and other Malay-Muslim nationalists – the Quran to replace the Federal Constitution, civil law to be made shariah compliant, hudud for all, non-Muslims banned from senior government positions, extensive religious education in public schools, dress codes for all, further restrictions on non-Muslim faiths, restrictions on many forms of public entertainment, ban on gambling and the sale of alcohol, etc. Expect as well, a raft of other political measures aimed at limiting non-Malay rights.

Many are looking to Anwar to stop the green wave; they are likely to be disappointed. Anwar is an Islamist who is himself deeply supportive of the Islamic agenda. Since taking office, his administration has promised to reintroduce RUU355^[1] as well as harmonise the civil code with sharia law,^[2] brought JAKIM into the heart of the government’s policy-making process^[3] and more recently introduced further measures to strengthen religious education in public schools.^[4]  And then there’s that conversion episode conducted in the full glare of the media and then posted on his Facebook page.^[5]

Anwar apologists (including those in the DAP) have consistently downplayed his administration’s Islamic agenda as nothing more than strategic manoeuvring to counter PAS while insisting that he himself remains firmly committed to inclusive multiculturalism. It’s a disingenuous argument at best because the result is the same: the further Islamisation of a once secular nation. 

Personally, I no longer believe that Anwar is the reformist he claims to be. The whole ‘reformasi’ movement in hindsight was just a chimera, a shrewd strategy to entice a nation hungry for change into supporting him at a time when he was on the verge of political extinction. 

He still speaks the language of ‘reformasi’ (in order to keep non-Muslims in particular on his side) but his political ambitions and his personal convictions are taking him in the opposition direction. Indeed, his government ought to be more aptly called “Madani Islamic administration”.

Only Sabah and Sarawak now stand in the way of Malaysia becoming a fully-fledged ethno-religious apartheid state. There the opposite is taking place – multiculturalism is being strengthened and celebrated; the education system emphasises educational excellence along with science and technology; innovation and entrepreneurship are honoured regardless of race or religion and state policies are unencumbered by racist sentiments.^[6]

Thankfully, both states are now waking up to their own history and destiny and clawing back their rights after years of semi-colonial rule by successive federal governments. 

 If they succeed in regaining their power, reclaiming control over their natural resources and exerting themselves at the federal level, there’s hope that the balance between Islamic and secular, between Ketuanan Melayu and Ketuanan Rakyat can be restored. 

But there are challenges as well. Sabah and Sarawak are in the throes of great change. Indonesia’s decision to shift its capital to Borneo will have a powerful magnetic effect. Geographical proximity, economic complementarity and cultural affinity will increasingly push both states closer to Indonesia than Peninsular Malaysia. We might well end up with a one-country-two-systems construct which essentially abandons the Peninsula to its own fate.

To save Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak leaders must insist on claiming their full rights as co-equal partners in the federation including their fair share of seats in Parliament. And they must begin to bring that power to bear on every issue affecting the nation. Indeed, in keeping with the spirit of MA63, they should insist that no federal policy be adopted nor legislation considered without the consent of the premiers of Sabah and Sarawak. 

Wilfred Madius Tangau (Tuaran MP and former deputy chief minister of Sabah) summed up the critical role that Sabah and Sarawak must play when he asserted: “We must love Malaysia with a sense of ownership. We cannot look at the madness in Malaya as bystanders. We must ally with most Malaysians who do not want Malaysia to be reverted to a monoethnic, mono-faith pre-colonial Tanah Melayu. Together, we are still the majority that can keep Malaysia inclusive and moderate.”^[7]

[Dennis Ignatius | Kuala Lumpur | 26^th August 2023]

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^[1] Religious affairs minister says Anwar administration will table controversial RUU 355 once Cabinet approves | Malay Mail |25 may 2023

^[2] We need to harmonise shariah, civil law, says minister | FMT | 01 August 2023

^[3] Anwar gives Jakim bigger role in policymaking |FMT | 11 June 2023

^[4] Fadhlina: Education Ministry launches ‘Imam Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith’ appreciation module | Malay Mail |19 August 2023

^[5] Activist probed for questioning Anwar’s role in conversion ceremony | Malaysiakini |22 August 2023

^[6] Abang Jo: S’wak fair to all in its mission to become high-income, developed state | The Star |05 July 2023

^[7] MP SPEAKS | Save Malaysia to protect Sabah and Sarawak | Malaysiakini |15 July 2023