What do I think about Lina Joy’s case?
Those who think Islam is all about legislation would jump with joy. They mistakenly think that the judgement is a success for Islam and Muslims. They would praise the two judges for ‘siding’ with them. They would start creating conspiracy theories about how the ‘other’ judge is an enemy of Islam. Some would even go as far as to campaign for another legislation to ‘ban’ conversion altogether.
But these very people forgot the fact that Lina Joy is still no longer a Muslim. The craze to legislate has, unfortunately, blinded many about the need to educate.
I would also ask these people, if a church starts lobbying for the criminalisation of conversion from Christianity to Islam, or a temple from Hinduism to Islam, or a synagogue from Judaism to Islam, would you support them? You wouldn’t, would you? Do you seriously think your double standard would make a harmonious Malaysia?
Plus, for the state to decide what you believe in is sad in its own right. What business does a judge have in what I believe? If you protest when your sponsor / employer dictates what political party you can join, why would you support another authority dictating what you can believe in? Are you really any different from the very people you are complaining about?
So,for those who are still jumping with joy, I suggest you sit down and use your otak instead of your kepala lutut. Ask: “Does the decision change anything as far as Lina Joy is concerned?”, and also ask yourself: “Am I being consistent?”
Filed under: Malaysia
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