For the past few weeks I have been writing about how the Socialist Left in SE Asia have tried to establish a Socialist rule in Malaya/Singapore. My points ranged from how violent the Communist Party of Malaya was, to the ISA-linked issues on the Marxist Conspirators of 1987, to the early Leftist leaders of 1960s like Tan Jing Quee and even earlier ones in the 1950s like Lim Chin Siong and Fong Swee Suan.
These articles have brought up some very interesting side points raised by readers in the comments section. One of the most interesting I find is – What is wrong with trying to establish a Socialist Rule??
Different forms of governance -
Before I even look into what is “wrong” with trying to establish a Socialist governance, we should look into what is wrong any ANY form of governance. What’s wrong with a dictatorship style, if it brings economic benefits and harmony? What’s wrong with secular democracy? What’s wrong with Islamic governance?
Ooops? That last one raised eyebrows, didn’t it?
There really is nothing wrong with a Socialist government at all. If the Singapore electorate chooses that because the majority wants that, I’ll accept. Hence, to answer the question, “What is wrong with trying to establish a Socialist Rule?”, my answer is “absolutely nothing!”.
Different forms of Islamic governance -
So, next question is, what’s wrong with Islamic governance then? Why so apprehensive? Many of the uninformed feel that Islamic governance is homogeneous. Many think that it is all about hudud, full sharia implementation and “no tolerance for non-Muslims”, the last one being a result of constant pounding of Islamophobia around the world.
But Islamic governance can range from a full Islamic rule like Iran, or a “mixture” of secular laws and Islamic laws like Pakistan or even Malaysia.
We can even have a “mini Islamic govt” within a secular govt like MUIS in Singapore. (http://www.muis.gov.sg/)
Or a Laissez Faire style as in Toronto, where a loose congregation of Muslims looking after each others’ affairs, without any govt institution (like MUIS in Singpaore) to set the “standards of Islamic practices” in society.
So the question again, what is wrong with Islamic governance at all?
Islamophobia an over-hyped bogeyman -
So whenever anyone claims he wants to set up an “Islamic governance” in any society, it could mean a whole range of governance styles. But unfortunately, the uninformed always see “Islamization” as getting all the men to wear turbans and beards, and the women burkas and niqabs!
London is one of the most Islamophobic cities. Many are afraid of turbans and hijabs. In France, the hijab is banned in schools and universities. In other parts of Europe, Muslims are seen with disdain.
Once again, what is wrong if these Muslim communities want to establish a Muslim governance for themselves, which can be localized and not nationalized, so that these Muslims can practise their religion in an Islamic environment?
Islamophobia in Singapore -
Thankfully, Islamophobia in Singapore is nowhere near as in parts of America or Europe. Islamophobia is mainly restricted to the SAF and to pockets of areas among mainly some extreme Chinese who are chauvinistic about Chinese culture. Many of these can be seen supporting the advancement of Chinese culture, language, history and even feel that China is the Motherland more than Singapore is their home. These are also the very people who would support a Socialist Left, as propagated by the early Leftists in Singapore. Hence, my comparison between a Leftist govt and an Islamic one.
So once again, what’s so scary that these people have to engage in Islamophobia?
If you say that these Muslims living in a majority non-Muslim society cannot even have a localised Islamic governance because they must respect majority thought, I will say in that case, Socialism has no place in Singapore, Malaysia, America, Canada and many parts of Europe and the Mid East, because the majority don’t want it.
On the other hand if you insist that Socialism is a legit form of governance and there is nothing wrong to advance its cause, then please be consistent and note that Islamic governance is also a legit form of governance and there is really nothing wrong if Muslims want to establish an Islamic governance.
Make your choice, but be consistent with your argument.
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PS – It is interesting to note that these group of (chauvinistic) Chinese will argue that you need to support “Chinese values” (what the heck is that?) if you are a Chinese and if you don’t, you are a “traitor” to the Chinese race.
To such people, I will say, doesn’t that stance confirm my point that such people are chauvinistic and hence the term Chinese Chauvinists suits you?
Thank you for slapping yourself for me. You saved me the trouble doing that to you.
