Should Malaysia officially declare it is not an Islamic state?

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Malaysia Should Declare It Is Not an Islamic State, According to Datuk Zaid Ibrahim

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim asserts that Malaysia should officially declare it is not an Islamic state, arguing that such a declaration is vital for the nation's stability and progress. He believes that ending the current trend of Islamisation is paramount and advises against centering the government's administration on politics of religion and race, as this practice hinders the country's development and lags behind its neighbours. Zaid posits that prosperous, democratic nations that respect individual dignity are not found among Islamic states, and for Malaysia to achieve peace and advancement, religion should not be the government's central policy.
Ending Islamisation is Crucial for Stability

Zaid Ibrahim contends that the escalating Islamisation within Malaysia poses a significant threat to the country's stability. He suggests that the group of 25 former high-ranking Malay civil servants, known as G25, should formally urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to issue a clear declaration that Malaysia is not an Islamic state. This action, he believes, is a necessary step to halt the trend and safeguard the nation's future trajectory.
Government Focus Should Be on Welfare, Not Spirituality

The former minister advocates for a shift in governmental focus, asserting that the administration's primary objective should be the improvement of the people's welfare rather than their spiritual lives. Zaid states that individuals should be permitted to find their own spiritual paths, as this is not the government's purview. He draws a parallel to global governance, noting that no Islamic state worldwide has achieved prosperity, democracy, or respect for individual dignity, suggesting a secular approach is more conducive to national advancement.
Skepticism Regarding the G25 Meeting with the Prime Minister

Despite the G25's scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Najib Razak, Zaid Ibrahim expresses considerable doubt about its potential success. He anticipates that Najib will likely dismiss the group's concerns and continue with his established political strategies based on religion and race. Zaid predicts that the Prime Minister may resort to claims of Islam and Malays being under attack, arguing that only authoritarian rule, rooted in race and religion, can maintain Malay political power.
G25's Demands on Shariah Laws and Constitutional Supremacy

The G25 group is set to meet with the Prime Minister to voice their demands for a review of Shariah criminal offenses and to assert the supremacy of the Federal Constitution over any Islamic state laws. In a recent open letter, the group articulated their dismay over unresolved issues concerning the position and application of Islamic laws, which they view as indicative of a significant breakdown in the division of powers between federal and state authorities. Zaid believes the meeting's value hinges on the G25's ability to forcefully convey that moderate Malays oppose such politicking.

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Should Malaysia officially declare it is not an Islamic state?

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