2 - Being Muslim and Chinese in Malaysia

Summary

INTRODUCTION

It has been a general view that being Muslim and Chinese in Malaysia must be something out of the ordinary, or an issue that is problematic. This chapter focuses on the identity dilemma faced by the Chinese Muslims in Malaysia and offers a general look at the reasons behind this and the consequences of this perceived dichotomy, for a better understanding of the issue.

There is a limited number of previous publications on the subject. References include studies on Chinese Muslims in Malaysia, ethnic relations, social identity and a few published or unpublished theses on Chinese-Malay mixed marriages, Chinese converts, religion, and ethnicity. A major part of this chapter is based on observations, interviews, informal surveys, and oral history compiled in the course of the writer's voluntary work as a counsellor to Chinese Muslims in Malaysia over more than a decade. The writer's own experience as a Chinese and Muslim living in Malaysia adds to a better understanding and analysis of the subject. Not written in the vein of a conventional academic study, this chapter is mainly an account voicing the identity dilemma of the many Chinese Muslims in Malaysia trying to live, and for the challenge they face to be acknowledged, in their multiple and fluid identities.

ISLAM AND CHINESE MUSLIMS IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia is well known as a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multireligious country, and anybody who has lived here even for a short while quickly becomes aware of the intimate relationship between ethnicity, culture, and religion in everyday life. Due to the country's unique political and social history, a person's official and social identities are usually defined according to his ethnic background which is closely related to his religion. It is hard to distinguish the thin line between the religious and cultural traditions of the various ethnic communities, especially where the Malays and Muslims are concerned.

Islam, the religion of the Malays, is also the official religion. People of other ethnic descents share a diversity of religions. The Constitution grants and protects the non-Muslims’ right and freedom to religious beliefs and practice. The Chinese in Malaysia may be Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, or ancestor worshippers, etc; and there are also many who are not affiliated to any religion. Only less than one per cent of the Malaysian Chinese is Muslim.