Ungodly Similarities Between MAGA Mania and Malaysian Muslims

The world is wondering where all of us are heading, given the new chaos in the United States. In Malaysia, we are also wondering where we are heading, in light of our own chaos brought about by the government-appointed enforcers of Islam.

Religion and Racism

The most important is that this is about religion. The US has taken a hard turn to the right with its Christian nationalist agenda, where God and Jesus Christ are now often invoked as justification for almost everything.

God is certainly invoked a lot here too. What started as an effort to “Islamise” government services decades ago has now become a race to see who’s the most pious, the most angry, the most uncompromising in protecting the Islamic ummah.

In an interesting twist of fate, both the hardcore MAGA Christian nationalists and Malaysia’s hardcore protectors of Islam are using each other as the bogeyman to frighten their flock.

Inconvenient Respect

There’s another word (respect) that should carry weight, but respect is an inconvenient word because none of the “sensitivities” are disrespectful as far as the laws, the constitution and what most reasonable people think are concerned.

Political Inheritance

But here’s the deal – the “great” US wasn’t built by the current bunch of people but in a long slog over the last century by many far-sighted leaders, especially those who recognised that the US must be part of the world and not isolated from it.

Pushing Boundaries

Here’s where there are further similarities. Both sides are not afraid to push the boundary of politics such as norms and laws to get to what they want.

Power of Belief

Ultimately, this is just a power move. It’s about becoming more powerful by using the advantages conferred by politics as well as people’s fear to get into open debates on the matter.

Conclusion

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

FAQs

* What is the main issue being discussed?
The main issue being discussed is the similarities between the MAGA movement in the US and the actions of some Malaysian Muslims in enforcing their beliefs on others.
* What is the author’s perspective on the issue?
The author believes that both the MAGA movement and the actions of some Malaysian Muslims are using religion as a means to justify their beliefs and actions, and are using fear and intolerance to control others.
* What are the author’s recommendations?
The author suggests that people should not be afraid to question and challenge these beliefs and actions, and that we should promote respect, tolerance, and understanding between different cultures and religions.