Sigordo

In his blog profile, he proudly stated in his 22 years as a politician, he has held position as the Health Minister (2004-2008), EXCO Johor for 3 terms, state assemblyman for 4 terms before becoming an MP for Labis constituency. This is the none other than Dr. Chua Soi Lek, who is currently the President of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

Being the President of MCA, surely he would not only be familiar with but should be upholding MCA’s constitution and objectives. One of its aims and objectives were ‘To maintain, foster and promote goodwill and harmony among the citizens of various races in Malaysia to ensure the peaceful progress and growth of a strong and united nation’ (Part 2, 6.6, Constitution of the Malaysian Chinese Association).

However, on the contrary, the President himself recently stirred some controversy over remarks about Islam and a Muslim woman candidate from the opposition party that could jeopardise the harmony among citizens in Malaysia.

As President, shouldn’t he know better not to make an issue about PAS’ Tenang by-election candidate Normala Sudirman’s refusal to shake hands with male voters? It was also reported that he said on the 21^st January 2011, “The PAS brand of Islamic state would paralyse development in the country”.

Ironically, Dr. Chua added, PAS rule would derail the 1Malaysia concept. However, having said that, isn’t that conflicting to the 1Malaysia concept as well? Isn’t 1Malaysia’s goal is to preserve and enhance unity in diversity? Wouldn’t a statement provoking and disrespecting Islam derailing from the 1Malaysia concept?

It is said that 1Malaysia values and respects each community in Malaysia. 1Malaysia underlines the value of “Acceptance“ amongst its multi-racial people, so that they may live with mutual respect for each other as a nation.

Now, why is Dr. Chua making such a big deal about Normala Sudirman refusing to shake hands with men who are not her family? Did he just found out that for Muslims, skin contact with those considered non-*muhrim is forbidden? (*muhrim- spouse or immediate family members)

One would think, a man of Dr. Chua’s stature who proudly stating 22 years in politics would know better. Is this his first encounter with a Muslim woman after all this 22 years? Was he really concentrating on the Chinese only? Surely he has met other Muslim women before this Tenang by-election.

Anyway, when Normala refused to shake hands with men, didn’t she have the right in doing so?

Dr. Chua said that he had the right to say that it’s basic manners to shake hands with people. He emphasised that that’s his values. So what if that is his values?

What about Normala’s values? Is he implying his values are superior to her values?

Ok, let that question sink in for awhile. Who are we to say one’s values are better than the other?

Whatever it is, firstly, one should understand that MCA is a component party in the ruling government of Barisan Nasional. In the Barisan Nasional’s Charter & Rakyat`s Declaration, it was mentioned; To champion the cause of justice, democracy and fundamental human rights in international forums, to express a firm stand on global humanitarian issues, to assist in the formation of a just world order, and to set consistent moral standards in international affairs.

Please note that keywords here are democracy and human rights. Apparently, democracy and human rights goes hand in hand. Thus, if human rights is championed, shouldn’t Normala have the fundamental right to choose, the right to choose not to shake hands?

Isn’t the essence of human rights is the right to liberty and freedom?

Liberty is defined as the ability to live without being coerced or forced to do something you do not want to do. Liberty is the respect for individual rights. Therefore, Dr. Chua had rights to shake hands with everybody; Normala had the rights to decline and have the rights to shake hands with whoever she pleases.

Please note, Dr. Chua now has contradicted the MCA Constitution and the Barisan Nasional’s Charter & Rakyat’s Declaration by making the statement offending Normala and Muslims in Malaysia in general. But that’s just his political affiliations; this might just be a political stunt to scare the Chinese with false and baseless accusations on Islam and as usual, a political strategy to win votes.

Anyways, can we really blame Dr. Chua for committing this blasphemy? What if as an individual he is ignorant and doesn’t what he is talking about? Can we blame him for being ignorant and for the insults? Perhaps yes, since he has boasted about his 22 years in politics whereby he should know better.

But what if during his 22 years in politics he only met Muslim men and only Muslim women who actually don’t mind shaking hands with men who are not their muhrim. What if he only meets ‘seasonal’ Muslims who only practice Islam when there’s an occasion for it or only during Ramadhan?

Hence, are the Muslims in Malaysia doing enough to make a politician of 22 years to understand what is Islam and what we do and we don’t do?

Whatever it is, Dr. Chua needs to understand to respect others and perhaps double check on what is his definition of liberty, human rights and democracy. Therefore, let’s just respect each other and not politicise religion too often for political mileage.

But at the end of the day, what Dr. Chua needs to understand that Normala, like many other Muslims, are in constant strive to be a better Muslim. As the holy al-Quran states in surah al-Hujjurat, verse 13:

• Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware. [Asad]
• Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). [Y.Ali]
• Sesungguhnya orang yang paling mulia di antara kamu di sisi Allah ialah orang yang paling bertakwa di antara kamu. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Mengetahui lagi Maha Mengenal. [Malay]

Thus, by refusing to shake hands with men, doesn’t make her less of a good candidate. She is free to choose. She chose to prioritise her religion when it comes to shaking hands, then so be it.

P.S/ Ironically, Normala being a Muslim and a woman, she is not being defended by any Muslim sisters’ organisation.